Joint Statement from Wisconsin Voting Rights and Civil Liberties Organizations on the Arrest of Judge Hannah Dugan

MADISON, WI –  As organizations committed to protecting democracy, civil rights, and equal justice in Wisconsin, we are deeply troubled by the news of Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan’s arrest by federal agents at the courthouse.

Judge Dugan is a dedicated and principled public servant, guided by fairness, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to her community. She—like everyone on American soil—is entitled to the full protections of due process and an opportunity to defend herself in a court of law. 

The manner of Judge Dugan’s arrest is unacceptable. The arrest of a sitting judge in the middle of a courthouse, creating headlines and fueling questions, raises serious concerns about the overreach of the President’s administration and the threat our democracy faces. Judges must be free to uphold justice without concern of retaliation or intimidation. That is why we have checks and balances and separation of powers. Our courts must remain places where all people, including immigrants, feel safe to seek justice.

We are especially concerned about the growing presence of federal immigration enforcement actions at courthouses across Wisconsin and around the country. When courthouses become sites of detention, particularly for those from immigrant communities, it undermines access to justice. Victims may hesitate to report crimes. Witnesses may stay silent. Families may avoid seeking legal help altogether. This creates a chilling ripple effect that harms everyone—eroding faith in institutions meant to protect and serve us all. 

Everyone in Wisconsin, regardless of immigration status, deserves access to our courts without fear. Ensuring public confidence in our legal system requires that our courthouses remain places of justice, not jeopardy. 

Moments like this test our values. We believe in a Wisconsin where everyone’s rights are respected, the law is applied fairly, and public trust in our justice system is earned through transparency and accountability—not fear or duress.

We are monitoring this situation closely. We urge investigators to proceed with integrity– upholding the essential principles of justice and due process that protect all our fundamental freedoms.  We ask our communities to stay engaged and committed to the principles of fairness, truth, and justice.

Signed,

Wisconsin Democracy Campaign

Souls to the Polls Wisconsin 

All in Wisconsin

American Civil Liberties Union of Wisconsin

Wisconsin Faith Voices for Justice

Wisconsin Fair Maps Coalition 

Common Cause Wisconsin

Leaders of Kenosha (LOK)

We Own It

All Voting is Local

Wisconsin Council of Churches

Wisconsin Conservation Voters

A Better Wisconsin Together Institute

League of Women Voters of Wisconsin

Fair Wisconsin

Progress North

Protect Democracy

Chippewa Valley Votes

Women's March

SEIU Wisconsin

Human Rights Campaign

Indivisible

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For Press Inquiries Contact:

Debra Cronmiller
Executive Director
League of Women Voters of Wisconsin
dcronmiller [at] lwvwi.org
(608)256-0827

Nick Ramos
Executive Director
Wisconsin Democracy Campaign
mail [at] wisdc.org
(414)368-0116