In an unprecedented move, Judge Rebecca Dugan of Milwaukee County, Wisconsin, was arrested by federal agents on charges of obstructing justice and aiding an individual with an active deportation order to evade immigration authorities. The arrest has incited a strong response from Judge Isham, who has publicly considered suspending her courtroom operations in Sawyer County’s Branch 2 as a form of protest.
The incident began unfolding on Friday when Judge Dugan reportedly concealed Eduardo Flores-Ruiz during a pre-trial hearing. Flores-Ruiz, who was facing charges of violent assault, had been targeted for apprehension by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) due to an outstanding deportation order. The action taken by Judge Dugan, if proven, could result in up to a decade of imprisonment for obstruction of justice and harboring a fugitive from arrest.
In the aftermath, Judge Isham communicated her dismay and concerns through an email to her peers, which was later obtained by Wisconsin Right Now. Isham's correspondence revealed her frustration with the current administration's handling of the situation and her feelings of being unprotected and disrespected in her judicial role. She expressed her unwillingness to allow ICE agents to remove individuals from her courtroom, equating such removals to sending them to "concentration camps."
Isham also voiced her readiness to face potential job threats or arrest for standing by her principles. She highlighted the potential risks her stance could pose to her staff and community, stating, "I will not put myself or my staff who may feel compelled to help me or my community in harm’s way."
The arrest of Judge Dugan, who has nearly a decade of service, and the subsequent reaction from Judge Isham have stirred a debate within the Wisconsin judiciary. Some colleagues have shown support for Isham's position, while others are contemplating the broader implications of her proposed court suspension.
FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed the allegations against Dugan, indicating that she had deliberately misled federal agents aiming to detain Flores-Ruiz. Following her preliminary court appearance on Friday, Dugan was released as prosecutors did not seek pre-trial detention. Whether Dugan will remain in her judicial duties during the ongoing legal proceedings is yet to be determined.
The intertwined issues of immigration enforcement within the judicial system and the autonomy of courtrooms have come to the forefront in Wisconsin. The case raises questions about the balance between upholding the law and protecting individual rights, as well as the extent of judicial discretion in contentious situations.
