Wisconsin judge pleads not guilty on charges of concealing undocumented immigrant
S E E D E D C O N T E N T
Wisconsin circuit Judge Hannah Dugan pleaded not guilty on Thursday to federal charges that she helped an undocumented man evade arrest, multipleoutlets reported.
Why it matters: The Trump administration has said Dugan's case is meant to send a message to other judges not to interfere with its immigration crackdown.
- She could face up to six years in prison if she is convicted on both counts, per AP.
- A couple hundred protesters demonstrated outside the courthouse against Dugan's arrest and the Trump administration's immigration policies, per the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
Driving the news: A federal grand jury indicted Dugan on Tuesday on charges of concealing a person from arrest and obstruction of proceedings.
- She was arrested by the FBI last month for trying to help an undocumented immigrant in her courtroom avoid arrest by Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials.
What's next: Her next hearing is scheduled for July 9, and her trial is set for July 21.
Zoom out: The Wisconsin Supreme Court essentially suspended Dugan, saying it was in the public interest for her to be "temporarily relieved of her official duties."
- She has served nearly a decade on the court.
State of play: The Trump administration has intensified its battle with the judicial branch, particularly regarding efforts to enforce its immigration agenda. Federal judges have ruled against the administration in several cases, from ordering the return of an erroneously deported man to preventing the deportation of several foreign students and green card holders.
- Attorney General Pam Bondi said Dugan's arrest sent a "strong message" to other judges.
- Democratic lawmakers called for an investigation into Dugan's arrest, saying that Trump used federal law enforcement to further his agenda.
The latest: Wisconsin state Sen. Chris Larson (D-Milwaukee) spoke outside of the courthouse on Thursday, saying Dugan's indictment is "trial by social media" and being spearheaded by Trump.
- Larson added that it's the "latest in his attempt to move America towards authoritarianism by activating the Justice Department to serve his political goals and bully his political enemies."
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How can she possibly be acquitted?
In America today it can happen.
Considering the current partisan divide in the country and the fact that Milwaukee, WI is heavily blue (1 in 7 voters identify as Republican), it could definitely happen.
Milwaukee is a Democratic city, but it also has a lot of Republicans
left wing jury nullification is a real threat. Given the hysterics we are seeing (it's the same as standing up for escaped slaves!) it wouldn't be that surprising that one loon juror will say the law doesn't apply to democrats.
Michael Lutttig said the other day that the case against Dugan should be laughed out of court.
Luttig is a great guy for left wing quotes. Don't remember the last time he ever said anything else.
He doesnt talk like a leftist. He talks like a traditional conservative who knows trump is a piece of shit.
Why should it be laughed out of court? This is blatant obstruction of justice by an officer of the court. Dems would go nuts if a Republican judge pulled a stunt like this. After all, no one if above the law.
Dugan's lawyers have moved to dismiss. Their claim is that she has immunity from prosecution for doing her official duties. (Sound familiar)?
The case will have to go to the Supreme Court before the trial can proceed