On Tuesday, April 29, 2025, the Wisconsin Supreme Court suspended Milwaukee County Judge Hannah Dugan from her judicial duties, citing the need to maintain public trust in the judicial system. The decision, initiated by the court without external prompting, comes as Dugan faces federal charges related to her alleged interference with immigration officials. The suspension will remain in effect until the court issues further notice.
Dugan was arrested on Friday, April 25, 2025, accused of obstructing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents attempting to detain an undocumented individual appearing in her courtroom. She faces two federal charges, one of which is a felony. The Supreme Court’s order emphasized that suspending Dugan was in the public’s interest, though it did not address whether her judicial salary would continue during the suspension.
The court’s decision to act independently underscores its commitment to upholding the integrity of the judiciary, particularly when judges face serious allegations. Dugan’s suspension marks the latest instance of the court exercising its supervisory powers to address conduct that could undermine public confidence in the legal system. The order provided no additional details about the ongoing federal case against Dugan or the specific circumstances of the alleged interference with ICE agents.
As the situation develops, the Wisconsin Supreme Court will determine when or if Dugan may resume her judicial responsibilities, pending the resolution of her legal proceedings. For now, she is barred from exercising any judicial authority, ensuring that the court’s operations proceed without the shadow of the pending charges.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
