Congress Weighs In on FBI Arrest of Milwaukee Judge

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Democrats returned to Justice Dugan, but Republicans warned others who tried to block federal immigration enforcement.

Lawmakers on either side of the aisle were overwhelmed by the April 25 arrest of Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Hannah Dugan.

FBI Director Kash Patel posted to X that Judge Dugan was arrested on suspicion of obstruction based on his belief that “it was intentionally misdirected by a subject arrested in court.”

The subject was illegal immigrant Eduardo Flores Luis, who was in court and faced a misdemeanor battery domestic violence claim.

According to Attorney General Pam Bondy, the judge allegedly helped Flores Lewis get out of the back door of her room after learning that federal immigration agents were waiting to arrest him outside the courthouse.

The judge was detained on court reasons to block government lawsuits to prevent arrests and to conceal the individual.

Mexican national Flores Lewis was also arrested near the court after being “chased” by federal agents, the FBI director said in his post.

The Department of Justice and Homeland Security have repeatedly warned about the consequences of their failure to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement projects.

Border Emperor Tom Homan told News Max on February 22. “If we block our efforts, and actively prevent the arrest of illegal aliens, I ask (attorney general) Pam Bondi to indict him. We’re not playing the game here.”

Republicans respond

A Republican lawmaker representing Wisconsin criticized the judge’s alleged actions to help illegal immigrants avoid arrests.

Rep. Tom Tiffany (R-Wis.) warned others who tried to disrupt federal immigration enforcement activities, noting that Democrat Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers had previously supported efforts to block immigration and customs enforcement.

“If you help illegal aliens avoid an arrest, you’ll be arrested,” Tiffany said in a statement. “State employees should think carefully before instructing them to follow (the governor’s) illegal memos to stop ice agents from doing their jobs.”

The memo was issued April 22nd to advise state employees on how to respond if ICE or other federal agents appear in the workplace. Instead of answering questions, employees are told to call the supervisor immediately and to prevent agents from entering private areas or accessing files.

Wisconsin Rep. Bob Donovan wrote to X:

Rep. Tony Weed (R-Wis.) called on Dugan to step down from the bench.

“It’s definitely not acceptable,” Wy said in X. “Activist judges are not only trying to stop the president’s agenda, but are now actively breaking the law to protect illegal aliens. Judge Dugan should resign soon.”

The Trump administration said this is another example of an “activist judge” who hampered the president’s immigration enforcement priorities. The White House accused the judge of acting like a judicial activist rather than a law arbitrator, including the president’s crackdown on illegal immigration.

The incident followed the arrest of a former judge and his wife the previous day. Former Doña Ana County Magistrate Joel Cano and his wife Nancy Cano were taken into custody by federal agents at their home in New Mexico on April 24 following accusations that allegedly include members of the Tren de Aragua gang who live in their home.

Homan wrote to X that “no one is surprised” by the arrest, as actively hindering ice enforcement efforts by hugging or hiding illegal immigrants is a felony. “You’ll be charged,” he wrote.

Democrats respond

Republicans praised the arrest, but Democrats accused Judge Dugan of retreating her suspected behavior and undermining the judicial division.

Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.) said in a statement to X: “The presidential administration arresting an incumbent judge is a serious and dramatic move that threatens to infringe the separation of power.”

Rep. Gwen Moore issued a statement denounced the Trump administration of “willing to weaponize federal law enforcement.” Moore, who represents Wisconsin’s Fourth Congressional District, said such arrest was a “serious issue” that “needs high legal bars.”

Wisconsin Rep. Ryan Clancy suggested that Dugan was targeted because he did not oppose the administration’s policies.

“We will continue to stand with Judge Dugan for yet another authoritarian attempt to silence our opposition, punish our opponents and threaten us to participate in everyone else,” Clancy wrote in a statement from X.

On his part, Wisconsin Gov. Evers said in a statement that those suspected of criminal conduct are innocent until proven guilty.

He then accused the Trump administration of “using dangerous rhetoric to undermine the judiciary at all levels,” but also noted the importance of ensuring accountability through law enforcement.

“I deeply respect the rule of law, the judiciary of our nation, the importance of judges making fair decisions without fear or favor, and the efforts of law enforcement agencies to hold people accountable if they commit crimes,” the governor wrote.

The governor said he will continue to have faith in the judicial system and allow cases to unfold in court.

Dugan was released from custody after a brief appearance in Milwaukee federal court on Friday.

“Judge Dugan is deeply regretful and protests his arrest. It was not made for the benefit of public safety,” her lawyer, Craig Mustantuno, told the court.

Her next court appearance will be May 15th.