1. United States
2. Fla.
3. Letter

The arrest of Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Hannah Dugan for allegedly obstructing federal immigration authorities is highly concerning and appears to be an overreach by law enforcement. Judges must be able to carry out their duties without fear of prosecution for reasonable actions taken in the course of their work. While the alleged conduct is still under investigation, escorting a defendant and their attorney through a courthouse door does not seem to rise to the level of a federal crime worthy of arrest. This incident represents a troubling escalation in tensions between the federal government and the judicial branch over immigration policies. We must ensure judges can make impartial decisions without intimidation or the chilling effect of potential criminal charges. I urge you to speak out against this arrest and work to protect the independence of the judiciary.