Wisconsin Judge Pauses Court Duties Amid Immigration Enforcement Concerns
A Wisconsin judge has temporarily stepped away from her courtroom duties following the arrest of a fellow judge, citing safety concerns and a lack of legal clarity around immigration enforcement.
Judge Monica Isham of Sawyer County made the announcement in an email to colleagues across the state, following the arrest of Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan. Dugan faces charges for allegedly obstructing federal agents during an incident involving an undocumented immigrant.
In her message, titled “Guidance Requested or I Refuse to Hold Court,” Judge Isham expressed deep frustration over what she sees as inadequate support for judges faced with sensitive legal situations. She emphasized her unwillingness to allow anyone to be removed from her courtroom without proper legal procedures.
“I have no intention of allowing anyone to be taken out of my courtroom without proper legal process,” she wrote, underscoring her commitment to uphold both the U.S. and Wisconsin Constitutions and to ensure due process for all.
According to court records, Judge Dugan allegedly helped a man evade arrest by leading him and his attorney through a restricted area of the courthouse. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers had reportedly been waiting to detain the man in connection with earlier charges.
The incident has ignited debate in legal circles about the scope of a judge’s responsibility in immigration-related cases. Critics argue Dugan crossed a line; supporters claim she acted to protect legal rights and uphold fairness.
Judge Isham, who has served less than two years on the bench, said her priority remains serving her community responsibly—but not at the cost of compromising legal integrity or courtroom safety.
“I was elected to serve my community, and I will continue to do so—while making sure all actions taken in my courtroom meet constitutional standards,” she affirmed.
The controversy comes amid another high-profile case involving former New Mexico judge Joel Cano and his wife, who were arrested last week. Authorities allege the couple helped harbor a man linked to a criminal gang and supplied him with weapons. That investigation remains ongoing.
These developments have sparked broader legal discussions about how judges should interact with law enforcement in high-stakes situations, particularly involving immigration and public safety.