Wisconsin Judge Threatens Court Shutdown Following Colleague’s Arrest by Federal Authorities

In a dramatic escalation of tensions between state judicial officials and federal immigration authorities, a Wisconsin judge has threatened to halt all court proceedings in protest of the recent arrest of her colleague by federal agents. This development marks what legal experts are calling an unprecedented standoff between state judicial independence and federal immigration enforcement priorities.

Judge Monica Isham’s Ultimatum

Judge Monica Isham of Sawyer County Circuit Court has issued a stark ultimatum to state judicial leadership, declaring her intention to cease all court operations in her jurisdiction unless provided with guidance and support following the arrest of fellow Wisconsin judge Hannah Dugan by federal authorities last week.

In an email sent Saturday to judges across Wisconsin, dramatically titled “Guidance Requested or I Refuse to Hold Court,” Judge Isham made her position unequivocally clear. She stated that she has “no intention of cooperating” with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and would refuse to continue judicial proceedings without assurances regarding judicial autonomy and protection.

“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 wrote in the email, which was subsequently obtained and published by Wisconsin Right Now. “I will not put myself or my staff who may feel compelled to help me or my community in harm’s way.”

The judge’s email went further, explicitly stating her refusal to participate in immigration enforcement actions: “I have no intention of allowing anyone to be taken out of my courtroom by ICE and sent to a concentration camp, especially without due process, as BOTH of the constitutions we swore to support require.”

In what appears to be a recognition of the potential consequences of her stance, Judge Isham added, “Should I start raising bail money?” before concluding with a defiant statement: “If this costs me my job or gets me arrested then at least I know I did the right thing.”

The language used by Judge Isham, particularly her characterization of immigration detention facilities as “concentration camps,” has drawn sharp criticism from federal officials and immigration enforcement supporters. Her email represents what many legal scholars consider an extraordinary public challenge to federal authority by a sitting state judge.

The Arrest of Judge Hannah Dugan

Judge Isham’s threat comes in direct response to the arrest of Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Hannah Dugan on Friday. Federal authorities charged Dugan with obstruction of an official proceeding and concealing an individual to prevent their discovery and arrest—serious federal charges that could potentially result in significant prison time if she is convicted.

According to the criminal complaint filed against Judge Dugan, she deliberately helped a Mexican national named Eduardo Flores-Ruiz evade ICE agents who were waiting to take him into custody following his April 18 court appearance. Flores-Ruiz had appeared before Dugan on three misdemeanor battery charges for allegedly assaulting two individuals.

The complaint alleges that when Dugan became aware that federal agents from multiple agencies—ICE, the FBI, Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)—were waiting in the public area of the courthouse to arrest Flores-Ruiz, she took deliberate steps to help him avoid apprehension.

Specifically, the complaint states that Dugan ordered the officers to report to the chief judge’s office. Then, after concluding the hearing, she personally escorted Flores-Ruiz and his attorney out of the courtroom through a restricted jury door, effectively bypassing the public area where federal agents were waiting.

This alleged action has been characterized by federal prosecutors as a deliberate and premeditated effort to obstruct legitimate law enforcement activities. The Justice Department maintains that Dugan’s actions went far beyond the normal exercise of judicial discretion and crossed into direct interference with federal immigration enforcement.

Judge Dugan’s Background

The arrest of Judge Dugan has drawn particular attention given her professional background and previous work with vulnerable populations. Before her election to the bench, Dugan worked extensively with legal aid organizations and served as the executive director of Catholic Charities, an organization known for providing services to immigrants and refugees among other vulnerable populations.

Dugan was elected to Branch 31 of the Milwaukee County Circuit Court in 2016 and ran unopposed for reelection in 2022, suggesting a level of community support for her judicial work. In her role on the bench, she primarily handles misdemeanor cases according to information published by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

Her prior work with immigrant-serving organizations has led some supporters to suggest that her actions were motivated by humanitarian concerns rather than any intent to obstruct justice. Critics, however, argue that personal beliefs cannot justify interference with the lawful execution of federal enforcement responsibilities, particularly by a judge sworn to uphold the law.

The New Mexico Case: Judge Joel Cano

Judge Dugan’s case is not isolated. In what appears to be part of a broader federal crackdown on state judicial officials accused of interfering with immigration enforcement, former New Mexico Judge Joel Cano and his wife were also recently arrested on serious federal charges.

According to reports, the couple has been charged with harboring an illegal alien suspected of membership in the Venezuelan-based Tren de Aragua gang, which the Trump administration has officially designated as a terrorist organization alongside MS-13. The charges against Cano are particularly severe, as they include not only harboring an illegal alien gang member but also providing him with firearms.

The parallel cases in Wisconsin and New Mexico have raised concerns among immigration advocates about what they characterize as an unprecedented federal targeting of state judicial officials. Supporters of these enforcement actions, meanwhile, argue that they represent necessary steps to prevent state officials from obstructing federal immigration laws.

Federal Response and Legal Implications

The federal response to Judge Isham’s threat has been swift and unequivocal. Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights, Harmeet Dhillon, described Isham’s ultimatum as “problematic” in social media comments reported by Fox News. The characterization suggests potential Department of Justice concern about judicial independence being invoked to obstruct federal law enforcement.

Border czar Tom Homan has also weighed in on the broader issue of judicial interference with immigration enforcement. In a weekend interview following the arrests of the two judges, Homan emphasized that individuals being detained and deported by ICE have already received their “due process” via the immigration court system. According to Homan, these are individuals who have received final deportation orders through established legal channels.

In a statement posted on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Homan directly addressed the arrests: “Nobody should be surprised by the arrest of two judges. I have said many times within the past few months, that people can choose to support illegal immigration and not assist ICE in removing criminal illegal aliens from our communities, BUT DON’T CROSS THAT LINE.”

His statement reinforces the administration’s position that while individuals, including judges, may have personal opinions about immigration policy, actively obstructing federal enforcement crosses a legal boundary that will trigger prosecution regardless of one’s position or status.

Constitutional Questions and Judicial Independence

The situation has raised profound constitutional questions about the boundaries between state and federal authority, judicial independence, and the extent to which state judges can exercise discretion in their courtrooms when federal immigration enforcement is involved.

Legal scholars note that judicial independence is a cornerstone of the American legal system, designed to ensure judges can make decisions free from undue influence or intimidation. However, this independence has traditionally been understood to operate within the framework of the law, not as a shield for potentially illegal actions.

The conflict highlights the ongoing tension between the federal government’s authority over immigration matters and states’ interests in maintaining the integrity and independence of their judicial systems. This friction has intensified in recent years as immigration has become an increasingly polarized political issue.

State Court Systems Under Pressure

Judge Isham’s email suggests that Wisconsin’s state court system may be experiencing significant internal pressure regarding how to navigate these federal-state tensions. Her request for “guidance” implies that judges across the state may be uncertain about their rights, responsibilities, and vulnerabilities when federal immigration authorities seek to arrest individuals appearing in their courtrooms.

The situation raises practical questions about courthouse security, judicial authority within courthouses, and the potential chilling effect on court participation if individuals fear that appearing in court might lead to immigration enforcement actions. Legal experts note that if people who are undocumented or have uncertain immigration status avoid court appearances—whether as defendants, witnesses, or victims seeking protection—the overall functioning of the justice system could be compromised.

Several states have previously implemented various forms of “sanctuary” policies limiting cooperation between state entities and federal immigration authorities. These policies have been controversial and have faced legal challenges, with mixed results depending on the specific provisions and jurisdictions involved.

Historical Context of Judicial Resistance

While rare, there have been historical precedents for judges taking stands against federal policies they view as unjust or unconstitutional. During the era of the Fugitive Slave Act in the 19th century, some Northern judges refused to cooperate with federal authorities seeking to return escaped slaves to Southern states. In more recent history, some judges have expressed concerns about cooperating with immigration enforcement actions they believe might violate due process rights.

However, legal historians note that direct defiance of federal law enforcement by sitting judges, particularly when accompanied by threats to cease judicial functions entirely, represents an extraordinary escalation that few can recall seeing in modern American legal history.

The Debate Over “Due Process” in Immigration Cases

A key point of contention in this developing situation revolves around differing interpretations of what constitutes “due process” in immigration cases. Judge Isham’s email explicitly referenced concerns about due process requirements under both the federal and Wisconsin state constitutions.

Immigration law experts explain that immigration proceedings operate under a different legal framework than criminal proceedings. While immigration courts do provide hearings and opportunities for individuals to present their cases, these administrative proceedings offer fewer procedural protections than criminal trials. Deportation is classified as a civil rather than criminal sanction, despite its potentially life-altering consequences.

Border czar Homan’s statement that individuals being detained and deported have already received “due process” via immigration courts represents the administration’s position that the existing immigration adjudication system satisfies constitutional requirements. Critics, including many immigration attorneys and some judges like Isham, question whether the current system truly provides adequate procedural protections, particularly given backlogs and limitations on legal representation.

Community and Political Reactions

The arrests of Judge Dugan and former Judge Cano, coupled with Judge Isham’s threat to halt court proceedings, have generated intense reactions across the political spectrum. Immigration advocacy groups have expressed alarm at what they characterize as intimidation of state judicial officials, while supporters of stricter immigration enforcement have applauded the federal actions as necessary steps to ensure compliance with federal law.

In Milwaukee, where Judge Dugan has served since 2016, community organizations have begun organizing support rallies and legal defense funds. Some local officials have expressed concern about the potential chilling effect on the judiciary, while others have emphasized that no one, including judges, is above the law.

Conservative groups and officials have generally supported the federal actions, arguing that judges who actively obstruct lawful immigration enforcement are abusing their positions and undermining the rule of law. They maintain that political or personal disagreements with immigration policies cannot justify active interference with federal law enforcement.

Potential Legal Consequences for Judge Isham

Legal experts suggest that Judge Isham’s email could potentially expose her to professional consequences or even criminal liability if she follows through on her threat to cease holding court or takes active steps to obstruct immigration enforcement.

Judicial ethics experts note that judges are generally required to faithfully execute their duties and uphold the law, including federal law. Refusing to hold court could potentially violate judicial canons of ethics and lead to disciplinary actions by Wisconsin’s judicial oversight body.

More seriously, if Judge Isham were to take actions similar to those alleged against Judge Dugan—actively helping individuals evade federal authorities—she could potentially face similar criminal charges for obstruction of justice or interfering with federal law enforcement.

The Broader Immigration Enforcement Context

This judicial confrontation comes amid a broader expansion of interior immigration enforcement under the current administration. Border czar Homan, who previously served as ICE Director during Trump’s first term, has implemented more aggressive enforcement strategies targeting undocumented immigrants throughout the country, not just at the border.

This includes increased enforcement actions at locations that were previously considered sensitive, such as courthouses. Immigration advocates have long argued that courthouse arrests discourage immigrants from participating in the justice system, whether as defendants, witnesses, or victims seeking protection. Federal authorities counter that courthouses provide controlled environments for arrests that are sometimes necessary when local jurisdictions refuse to cooperate with detainer requests.

The administration has particularly emphasized targeting individuals with criminal charges or convictions, as in the case of Flores-Ruiz, who faced battery charges in Judge Dugan’s court. Officials maintain that prioritizing such cases enhances public safety while focusing limited enforcement resources on individuals who may pose greater risks to communities.

Implications for Judicial Independence Nationwide

The arrest of a sitting judge and the threatened court shutdown by another raise profound questions about judicial independence that extend far beyond immigration enforcement. Legal scholars suggest these events could have lasting implications for how judges perceive their autonomy and security in making decisions that might conflict with federal policy priorities.

The American Bar Association and other legal professional organizations have historically emphasized the importance of judicial independence as a cornerstone of the rule of law. The current situation potentially tests the boundaries of that independence, particularly in areas where state and federal priorities may diverge.

Some legal experts worry that these arrests could create a chilling effect on judicial decision-making, making judges more hesitant to rule against government interests even when the law might support such rulings. Others counter that the alleged actions in these cases went far beyond legitimate judicial discretion into active obstruction, and that enforcing legal boundaries actually strengthens rather than weakens the rule of law.

Looking Forward: Potential Resolutions

As this situation continues to develop, several potential pathways forward are emerging. The Wisconsin court system’s leadership may issue the guidance Judge Isham has requested, providing judges with clearer protocols for handling situations involving federal immigration enforcement in their courtrooms.

Federal authorities may seek to engage in dialogue with state judicial systems to establish clearer boundaries and expectations, potentially developing formal memoranda of understanding regarding courthouse enforcement actions.

Legislative action at either the state or federal level could potentially clarify the legal landscape, though the deeply polarized nature of immigration politics makes consensus solutions unlikely in the near term.

For Judge Isham personally, she faces what appears to be a defining professional moment: whether to follow through on her threat to cease court operations, potentially facing severe consequences, or to find some alternative approach that both respects federal authority and maintains her ethical commitments.

Conclusion: A Constitutional Showdown with Far-Reaching Implications

The unfolding situation in Wisconsin represents what many legal experts are calling an unprecedented confrontation between state judicial authority and federal immigration enforcement. Judge Isham’s threat to halt court proceedings in protest of her colleague’s arrest has elevated what might have been an isolated incident into a potential constitutional showdown with implications for judicial independence, federalism, and immigration enforcement nationwide.

As the legal proceedings against Judge Dugan move forward and Judge Isham’s ultimatum awaits response, courts, legal scholars, and the public will be watching closely to see how this extraordinary conflict between different branches and levels of government resolves. Whatever the outcome, this situation has already highlighted the deep tensions at the intersection of immigration enforcement, judicial independence, and the complex relationship between federal and state authority in the American constitutional system.

The resolution of this conflict may well establish important precedents for how similar situations are handled in the future, potentially reshaping the delicate balance between judicial autonomy and federal law enforcement priorities for years to come. As one constitutional law professor commented, “When judges and federal agents find themselves in direct confrontation, we’re witnessing not just a legal dispute but a fundamental question about the distribution of power in our system.”

The Human Element: Lives in the Balance

Beyond the legal and constitutional questions, this situation ultimately involves human lives. Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, the individual at the center of the Judge Dugan case, faces potential deportation to Mexico. Countless others in similar situations are watching these events unfold with deep personal concern.

Immigration advocates emphasize that behind the legal terminology and jurisdictional disputes are real people with families, jobs, and community ties. Enforcement supporters counter that upholding the law and public safety must take precedence over individual circumstances, particularly when criminal charges are involved.

As this legal drama continues to unfold in Wisconsin courtrooms and potentially beyond, these human stakes remain a powerful undercurrent beneath the constitutional questions and political debates. The ultimate resolution will likely reflect not just legal principles but also America’s ongoing struggle to define its values and priorities regarding immigration, justice, and the rule of law in a deeply divided political landscape.

Nobody should be surprised by the arrest of two judges. I have said many times within the past few months, that people can choose to support illegal immigration and not assist ICE in removing criminal illegal aliens from our communities, BUT DON’T CROSS THAT LINE. If you…

— Thomas D. Homan (@RealTomHoman) April 25, 2025