On April 25, 2025, Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Hannah Dugan was arrested by the FBI for allegedly assisting a man in evading immigration authorities, igniting a significant confrontation between the judiciary and the Trump administration over immigration policies.

The arrest has drawn sharp criticism from various officials, including U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi, who stated that no one is above the law and condemned Dugan's actions as obstructive to justice, particularly in domestic violence cases.

Kash Patel, Director of the U.S. Marshals Service, accused Dugan of misdirecting federal agents away from the individual in question, thereby increasing public danger.

This situation has reignited discussions about judicial accountability and the intersection of immigration law with local governance.

Critics, including the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, view Dugan's arrest as a threat to judicial independence and a retaliatory act by the executive branch.

As the situation develops, further updates are expected, with ongoing scrutiny of the Trump administration's approach to immigration policy.

Historically, ICE arrests in courthouses were restricted under previous administrations, but Trump lifted these restrictions, allowing such actions to occur again.

The incident has sparked protests and condemnation from local officials, including Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson and Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers, who criticized what they see as federal overreach.

U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin also criticized the Trump administration for undermining democratic values by arresting a sitting judge, claiming it threatens the separation of powers.

The unfolding events surrounding Judge Dugan's arrest highlight the contentious relationship between federal immigration enforcement and local judicial authority.

Previous incidents have included threats against other political figures and legal professionals who supported undocumented immigrants or opposed the administration's agenda.

Overall, the arrest of Judge Dugan raises significant concerns about the implications for the judiciary and constitutional rights in the United States.