In a notable turn of events, the Milwaukee judicial arena is witnessing a burgeoning uprising, sparked by the recent arrest of Judge Hannah Dugan by the FBI. Dugan faces serious charges, including “obstruction of proceedings before a department or agency of the United States,” which could lead to a five-year prison sentence, and “concealing a person to prevent arrest,” potentially adding another year to her time behind bars.
This incident has ignited a wave of solidarity among other judges in Wisconsin, with some openly challenging federal immigration enforcement. For instance, Judge Monica Isham of Sawyer County has boldly declared that she will not permit any undocumented immigrants to be escorted out of her courtroom by ICE agents, following Dugan’s arrest.
Having served on the bench for less than two years, Judge Isham is already making waves as the “first woman, first Native American, first minority” to act as a circuit court judge in Sawyer County. In an impassioned email, she stated, “Enough is enough. I will not allow anyone to be taken out of my courtroom by ICE and sent to a concentration camp, especially without due process, as mandated by both constitutions we vowed to support. Should I start raising bail money?”
Moreover, she expressed her frustration regarding the lack of guidance from higher authorities, hinting at a potential strike: “If there is no guidance for us and no support for us, I will refuse to hold court in Branch 2 in Sawyer County.” Isham is calling for a meeting on May 9th to discuss potential strategies with her peers in Judicial District 10.
In a strikingly defiant tone, Judge Isham concluded her email with a vow to stand her ground, even at the risk of losing her job or facing arrest for what she perceives as the moral high ground. “If this costs me my job or gets me arrested, then at least I know I did the right thing,” she affirmed.
Wisconsin Judge Monica Isham threatens not to hold court over Hannah Dugan’s arrest https://t.co/88OGUlgrW4
— Wisconsin Right Now (@wisconsin_now) April 26, 2025
In a show of support, Milwaukee County Judge Ana Berrios-Schroeder responded to Isham’s email, praising her courage and suggesting the implementation of new courthouse policies aimed at providing sanctuary for undocumented individuals. Judge Berrios-Schroeder expressed her gratitude for Isham’s “brave” stance, stating that it “gives voice to the voiceless” and resonates with their shared aspirations.
A Milwaukee Co judge Ana Berrios-Schroeder has responded to Judge Monica Isham’s email, which included her threat to not hold court because of Hannah Dugan’s arrest, thanking her for her “brave” words that “give voice to the voiceless” and “speak to our hopes and dreams.” Email… pic.twitter.com/1qdkDxPA5M
— Wisconsin Right Now (@wisconsin_now) April 27, 2025
