GOP vows to impeach Milwaukee Co. Judge Hannah Dugan if she doesn't resign
CBS 58 MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Following the split verdict in the trial of Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Hannah Dugan, reaction is coming in from both Washington and Madison. In a post on X, FBI Director Kash Patel wrote, "No one is above the law." And now, Republican leaders in the legislature say Judge Dugan must resign, and if she doesn't then they will remove her.
Assembly Speaker Robin Vos and Majority Leader Tyler August issued a joint statement saying if Judge Dugan does not resign, they will impeach her.
The GOP leaders say:
"Wisconsin deserves to know their judiciary is impartial and that justice is blind. Judge Hannah Dugan is neither, and her privilege of serving the people of Wisconsin has come to an end."
Thursday night, Dec. 18, Dugan was convicted on a felony charge of obstructing a federal agency. That's in connection with an April incident in which she was accused of assisting an undocumented immigrant who was a defendant in her court.
She was alleged to have guided the man into a hallway away from federal agents there to arrest him. The jury found her not guilty of concealing an individual, which is a misdemeanor.
After the verdict, a pair of pro-Dugan demonstrators maintained the trial was pure politics, while Interim U.S. Attorney Brad Schimel said it was simply about the law.
"The Trump administration is trying to make an example of her to intimidate not only judges around the country, but people who are concerned about justice and what ICE is doing," said Art Heitzer, Dugan supporter.
"We weren't trying to make an example out of anyone," Schimel said. "This was necessary to hold Judge Dugan accountable, in our assessment, because of the actions she took."
The GOP leaders pointed to a section of the state constitution that says no person convicted of a felony may hold any office of "trust, profit or honor" in Wisconsin.
Dugan's team has indicated their fight is far from over, as they intent to appeal the verdict.
Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley released the following statement:
“Judge Hannah Dugan was provided her constitutional right to due process and I respect the jury’s verdict in this case. While the trial focused on a specific situation, it underscored the need for the Milwaukee County Courthouse to remain a safe, trusted place where residents can seek information, resources, and fair participation in the legal process.
As Judge Dugan received the due process she’s entitled to, I’m reflecting on the fact that people across the country are currently being denied that same constitutionally-guaranteed right by the Trump administration. Community members – many of whom are U.S. citizens or have legal status – are being detained by federal agents and ripped away from their neighborhoods with no warrant or reason. I don’t agree with this and I’ll continue working with our partners across the county and state to maintain safety, dignity, and justice for all.
The last thing we want is to interfere with the legal process, impede public safety efforts, or sow doubt among residents about whether or not they will receive fair, impartial justice. I’m committed to doing everything I can to protect people’s rights and stand with the residents who positively contribute to the health, safety, and vibrancy of Milwaukee County.”
CBS 58 has reached out to Gov. Tony Evers for comment.
