A Wisconsin judge has announced a temporary halt to her courtroom duties following the arrest of another state judge, citing concerns over safety and legal uncertainty.
Judge Monica Isham of Sawyer County shared her decision in a message to fellow judges across the state after
Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan was taken into custody.
Dugan was charged with obstructing federal authorities during an incident involving an undocumented individual.
Judge Isham’s email, titled “Guidance Requested or I Refuse to Hold Court,”
voiced frustration and confusion about what she sees as a lack of support and clarity for judges navigating sensitive legal situations that may involve immigration enforcement.
“I have no intention of allowing anyone to be taken out of my courtroom without proper legal process,”
Isham wrote. She emphasized her responsibility to uphold both the U.S.
and Wisconsin Constitutions, highlighting the importance of due process for all individuals.
According to court documents, Judge Dugan is accused of helping a man avoid arrest after a court appearance by guiding him and his lawyer through a non-public area of the courthouse.
Federal officials, including members of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE),
had been waiting to detain the man in connection with previous charges.
The incident has sparked debate within the legal community about the role of judges in such situations.
While some view Judge Dugan’s actions as overstepping, others believe her actions were motivated by a commitment to legal fairness and process.
Judge Isham, who has served for less than two years, described herself as someone who takes her role seriously and wants to ensure that neither she nor her courtroom staff are put in difficult or potentially dangerous positions without clear legal guidance.
“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 wrote.
In a related case, former New Mexico judge Joel Cano and his wife were also arrested last week. Authorities allege the couple helped harbor a man linked to a criminal gang and provided him with weapons. The case, which is ongoing, has raised further questions about accountability in public service and the responsibilities of those in positions of authority.
As both investigations continue, legal experts say these developments could lead to new discussions about how judges interact with law enforcement, especially in cases involving immigration and public safety.
