The Wisconsin Supreme Court has suspended Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah C. Dugan from her judicial duties following her recent arrest by federal authorities. The temporary suspension, issued Tuesday, comes in response to allegations that Dugan interfered with a planned Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrest in her courtroom.

According to a court order filed April 29, 2025, Dugan is “temporarily prohibited from exercising the powers of a circuit court judge” while criminal proceedings are underway. The state’s highest court said the action was necessary “to uphold the public’s confidence in the court of this state.”

Federal authorities allege that on April 18, ICE agents attempted to arrest a defendant on domestic violence charges following a hearing in Dugan’s courtroom. When Dugan learned of the agents’ presence, she allegedly confronted them in a courthouse hallway—accompanied by another, unnamed judge—and asked if they had a judicial warrant. The agents replied they only had an administrative warrant. Dugan then reportedly directed them to speak with the chief judge before escorting the defendant and his attorney out of the building through a nonpublic jury door.

The affidavit states the defendant was later apprehended after a foot chase.

Dugan was arrested by FBI agents on April 25 and released later that day on her own recognizance. Her legal team declined to comment on the suspension but told the Associated Press they were “disappointed that the court acted in unilateral fashion” and emphasized her innocence.

The case has drawn national attention and reignited debates over judicial authority and immigration enforcement.

“What has happened to our judiciary is beyond me,” Attorney General Pam Bondi said during an appearance on Fox News. Referring to several judges, she added, “I think some of these judges think that they are beyond and above the law.”

For now, Judge Dugan remains off the bench as the legal proceedings continue.