The column below reflects the views of the author, and these opinions are neither endorsed nor supported by WisOpinion.com.
Judge Hannah Dugan has long been a respected member of the Milwaukee community, known for her commitment to fairness and upholding the dignity of people who enter her courtroom. She has nearly three decades of legal experience, with much of her career dedicated to advocating for the most vulnerable members of our community.
Her recent arrest by the FBI raises troubling questions about the motivations behind it and the chilling effect it could have on all judges who aim to uphold the ideals of liberty and justice for all.
The way I see it, Judge Dugan’s arrest signals the unacceptable escalation of intimidation tactics used to pressure attorneys and judges into compliance with the Trump Administration’s heavy handed immigration enforcement actions.
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Judge Dugan does her utmost to protect the integrity of her courtroom. That means equal treatment under the law, providing due process, and treating every individual that comes through with dignity and respect. A threat to the integrity of the courtroom threatens everyone, not just those on ICE’s radar.
Judges must be free to exercise their duties independently, without intimidation or political retaliation. When judges are treated with hostility and threatened with the prospect of arrest for upholding their oath, it sends a dangerous signal not just to the judiciary, but to everyone in our country who depends on an unbiased legal system.
I join my Milwaukee Delegation legislative colleagues, the Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors, local elected officials, and residents across Wisconsin as we stand together in defense of judicial independence.
– Arney, D-Wauwatosa, represents the 18th Assembly District.
