Context:

Judge Hannah C. Dugan of the Milwaukee County Circuit Court was arrested by FBI agents in April, accused of obstructing immigration agents by allegedly directing an undocumented immigrant to leave through a side door while agents awaited his arrest. More than 150 former judges condemned the Trump administration's actions as an attempt to intimidate the judiciary, undermining the rule of law and public trust in the justice system. The letter opposing the arrest was led by former judges Nancy Gertner and J. Michael Luttig, representing bipartisan support. The FBI's public display of Judge Dugan in handcuffs was criticized as a violation of Justice Department policy. The Wisconsin Supreme Court has suspended Judge Dugan pending the outcome of her case, with a preliminary hearing set for May 15, as she prepares to defend herself against the charges.

Dive Deeper:

• Judge Hannah C. Dugan was arrested in April by FBI agents for allegedly obstructing immigration enforcement by facilitating the escape of an undocumented immigrant from her courtroom, a charge she vehemently denies and is preparing to contest in court.

• A letter signed by over 150 former state and federal judges criticized the arrest as a politically motivated attempt by the Trump administration to exert pressure on the judiciary, compromising judicial independence and the integrity of the legal system.

• The letter condemning the arrest was spearheaded by Nancy Gertner and J. Michael Luttig, both respected former judges, reflecting a bipartisan concern over the administration's approach to the judiciary.

• Kash Patel, the FBI director, sparked controversy by posting an image of Judge Dugan in handcuffs on social media, which was denounced by the signatories of the letter as an inappropriate and embarrassing breach of Justice Department norms.

• Norm Eisen and the Democracy Defenders Fund, along with the Society for the Rule of Law Institute, have publicly supported the judges' letter, emphasizing the arrest as a broader threat to judicial independence.

• The Wisconsin Supreme Court's decision to suspend Judge Dugan aims to maintain public confidence in the judiciary as the legal proceedings unfold, highlighting the sensitive nature of the allegations and their potential impact on public trust.

• Judge Dugan's legal team has expressed her intent to fight the charges vigorously, with her preliminary hearing scheduled for May 15, marking the next step in a case that has drawn significant public and legal attention.