1. United States
2. Ohio
3. Letter

I am writing to express my strong opposition to the arrest of Judge Hannah Dugan. Judicial independence is a cornerstone of American democracy. Judges must be free to rule according to the law and the Constitution — not based on fear of political retaliation. Arresting a sitting judge over a courtroom management decision, especially without offering voluntary surrender, sends a chilling message: fall in line or face personal consequences. Due process and proportionality were abandoned in favor of public spectacle. Federal authorities arrested Judge Dugan at her courthouse rather than contacting her for questioning or arranging her voluntary appearance. The FBI Director then posted, deleted, and reposted a photo of her in handcuffs on social media — a highly inappropriate action that turns law enforcement into political theater. This kind of chaos, intimidation, and retaliation is not how a healthy democracy functions. Even those who agree with the administration’s immigration policies should be deeply alarmed by the erosion of judicial independence. If judges cannot act without fear of personal targeting, the courts cease to be a check on executive power and instead become political tools. The impact extends far beyond Judge Dugan. This sends a dangerous message to immigrant communities, discouraging witnesses and victims from seeking justice, and it undermines public trust in the courts for everyone. I urge you to defend the independence of the judiciary and speak out against the use of arrests and public shaming to intimidate judges. Our democracy depends on preserving the rule of law, not bending it for political gain.