1. United States
2. La.
3. Letter

The arrest of Judge Hannah Dugan by federal agents at the Milwaukee County Courthouse is a concerning escalation of the Trump administration's anti-immigration policies. By attempting to assist an undocumented individual avoid an unnecessary arrest in her courtroom, Judge Dugan upheld principles of due process and equal justice under the law. Her actions should not be criminalized. Arresting a sitting judge at their place of work sets a dangerous precedent that threatens judicial independence and undermines public trust in the legal system. This heavy-handed tactic appears motivated more by political grandstanding than legitimate law enforcement objectives. Judges must be able to carry out their duties without fear of retribution for upholding constitutional rights. I urge you to condemn this overreach by federal authorities and reaffirm the autonomy of the judicial branch. Protecting judges from intimidation tactics preserves the critical system of checks and balances enshrined in our democratic institutions. Upholding the rule of law means respecting the roles of separate but equal government powers. I implore you to take a stand against the continued erosion of civil liberties under the guise of immigration enforcement.