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MAGA cheers Wisconsin judge’s arrest

Tal Axelrod

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Illustration of gavel — Illustration: Shoshana Gordon/Axios

The MAGA faithful are ecstatic over the FBI’s arrest of Milwaukee County judge Hannah Dugan Friday on charges of obstructing an immigration arrest.

Why it matters: The incident represents several escalations all at once.

The Trump administration has sought new ways to force the hands of local officials who don’t want to help with federal immigration enforcement.
And it has been willing to needle and even defy judges, especially over immigration.

What they’re saying: “Lock em up!!” Rep. Troy Nehls (R-Texas), a staunch Trump ally, told Axios after the arrest.

“Good. We need to see more arrests!!” Rep. Mary Miller (R-Ill.) said on X.
“Take note, local officials. Obstructing federal immigration enforcement will no longer be tolerated. The American people have spoken. And their voice is clear,” posted right-wing podcaster Jack Posobiec.

Catch up quick: FBI agents arrived at Dugan’s courtroom last week to arrest a man who was in the country illegally. He was appearing before Dugan on separate charges.

Dugan confronted the agents in the hallway outside her courtroom, according to the FBI’s criminal complaint, and told them they needed to go see the court’s chief judge.
She then escorted the defendant through a side door and out the back of the courthouse, the charges state.

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He made it outside, but was arrested after a brief foot chase.

What they’re saying: “What has happened to our judiciary is beyond me,” Attorney General Pam Bondi said on Fox News. “The [judges] are deranged, is all I can think of.”

The other side: “They arrested a judge?! They can no longer claim to be a party of law and order. This will have to be a red line for congressional Republicans. Unbelievable,” said Rep. Greg Landsman (D-Ohio).