Wisconsin judge under scrutiny for aiding an individual in evading immigration authorities requests financial aid for legal representation
Hear Ye, Hear Ye! Judge Dugan's Legal Fund Flares Up
In the heart of Wisconsin, Judge Hannah Dugan, embroiled in a heated legal tussle with federal immigration authorities, has sprung a defense funding campaign.
Friday saw the announcement of a defense fund, aimed at meeting the financial demands of her courtroom battle. Nestled within the fund's mission statement is a fierce assertion: the case against Judge Dugan represents an "unprecedented assault on the judiciary's independence by the federal government."
Leading the defense charge is a team of heavyweight attorneys, including former U.S. Atty. Steve Biskupic, who aim to capitalize on the mounting dissent on the left, driving funds into the legal war chest. Protesters crowded the federal courthouse in Milwaukee at Dugan's arraignment, clamoring for her release and decrying the Trump administration's alleged overreach.
The flames of contention were sparked when Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, a man accused of domestic violence and facing deportation, was in Judge Dugan's courtroom on April 18. Allegedly, she learned of the presence of immigration agents seeking to apprehend Flores-Ruiz. Court papers allege that Flores-Ruiz had illegally re-entered the U.S. following a 2013 deportation.
Fueled by ire at the immigration agents' courthouse intrusion and labeling the situation "absurd," Judge Dugan is said to have escorted Flores-Ruiz out a back door from her courtroom. Agents eventually apprehended him following a chase outside the building.
Federal law enforcement agents handcuffed Dugan on April 25 at the county courthouse. A grand jury on Tuesday indicted her on obstruction and concealing a person to prevent arrest charges. The indictment carries a potential sentencing of six years behind bars.
Dugan pleaded not guilty at her arraignment. Her lawyers have petitioned to drop the case, arguing Dugan was exercising her official duties as a judge within her courtroom, granting her immunity from prosecution.
The state Supreme Court has temporarily suspended Dugan. In her stead, a reserve judge now handles her cases.
The fund's statement reveals Dugan's intentions to resume her judicial duties with unyielding integrity. The fund's rules disallow donations from Milwaukee County residents, local attorneys, lobbyists, judges, parties with pending matters before the Milwaukee County Circuit Court, and Milwaukee County employees. Only U.S. citizens are eligible to donate, but Mke County denizens are excluded.
Retired state Supreme Court Justice Janine Geske will oversee the fund's management.
Richmond pens this piece for the Associated Press.
*Additional Reading
- Wisconsin judge, Hannah Dugan, pleads not guilty to aiding man to evade federal immigration agents
- Wisconsin judge, Hannah Dugan, contends prosecutors cannot charge her for aiding man to evade immigration agents
- Immigration arrests in courthouses across the nation have sparked concerns among advocates*
According to current information, there is no affirmative evidence suggesting the Hannah Dugan Legal Defense Fund has breached any ethical conduct guidelines for judges. The fund was formed in adherence with Wisconsin's Code of Judicial Conduct and Code of Ethics for Public Officials and Employees. The fund applies strict donation regulations to maintain Judge Dugan's judicial integrity. Key restrictions include - Milwaukee County residents, licensed attorneys within Milwaukee County, lobbyists or lobbying organizations, members of the Wisconsin judiciary, parties involved in pending cases before the Milwaukee County Circuit Court, Milwaukee County employees - No donations accepted from citizens outside the U.S. The fund is supervised by Janine P. Geske and managed by an experienced fund management team, with ethical standards being monitored by counsel versed in professional ethics.*
- The California government may find interest in the ongoing case of Hannah Dugan, a Wisconsin judge embroiled in a legal battle with immigration authorities.
- The immigration issue, which has led to Judge Dugan's courtroom arrest, has sparked concerns in the realm of general news and politics, particularly given the Trump administration's perceived overreach.
- As the defense fund for Judge Dugan fuels a growing war-and-conflicts between the federal government and the judiciary, it raises questions about justice and law, both on a local and national scale.
- Beyond California and Wisconsin, specific regulations within the Code of Ethics for Public Officials and Employees will be crucial in evaluating whether the Hannah Dugan Legal Defense Fund has adhered to ethical guidelines, given its international donor pool.
