Episode 10

Another Dangerous First — Arresting a Judge

Take Action

If this concerns you, take action with those in this situation showing courage. Here's how you can make sure your elected officials and the public hear from you — and can't say they didn't know. 


📧 Email Template 

Subject: Defend Judicial Independence — Investigate the Arrest of Judge Dugan

Dear [Representative/Senator Name],

I am writing to express my deep concern over the recent arrest of Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan by federal agents under the direction of the Trump administration’s Department of Justice.

The circumstances are alarming. Judge Dugan presided over a routine misdemeanor hearing and exercised basic courtroom discretion — informing a defendant he was free to leave and allowing a non-public exit. The federal agents acted on an administrative immigration warrant, a civil matter, not a criminal one. Despite this, they handcuffed and removed a sitting judge from her own courthouse.

This is not normal in a democracy. Judicial conduct concerns must be handled through appropriate review channels, not through public criminal arrests designed to intimidate judges into political submission. When the judiciary is treated as an enemy rather than an independent check on power, the rule of law itself is under threat.

I urge you to publicly defend the independence of our courts, demand a full investigation into the circumstances of Judge Dugan’s arrest, and oppose any efforts to use federal power to punish judicial impartiality. Silence in the face of such abuses will only invite further erosion of the freedoms we depend upon.

Please respond with how you intend to uphold and defend the separation of powers in light of these dangerous developments.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]


☎️ Phone Script

Hi, my name is [Your Name], and I’m a constituent from [City, State].

I’m calling because I’m deeply concerned about the public arrest of Milwaukee County Judge Hannah Dugan. Arresting a sitting judge over a civil immigration matter — without using proper judicial review processes — is an attack on judicial independence. This is not normal in a democracy. I’m asking [Senator/Representative Name] to publicly defend the courts, demand a full investigation into the DOJ’s actions, and oppose any abuse of federal power to intimidate the judiciary.

I expect [him/her/them] to speak out. Thank you for taking my call.


📣 Sample Social Media Post 

 🚨 A sitting judge was handcuffed & arrested by Trump's DOJ for exercising basic courtroom discretion. This is not normal in a democracy — it’s a warning. Stand up for judicial independence before it's too late. #RuleOfLaw #DefendTheCourts #BiggerThanMe

https://player.captivate.fm/episode/321575fe-d05b-439c-a748-3f2c3b392ae6/


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Democracy Spark
Your steady source when news goes sideways

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About your host

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Bonnie Ross

I read the dense political stuff so you don't have to, then connect it to what's worked before in history. Democracy Spark is my attempt to cut through the chaos and help people understand what's actually happening.