Protest in Milwaukee Over Immigrant and Workers’ Rights Included Calls to Free Milwaukee Judge

A “Day without Immigrants” protest and rally held Thursday morning included demands for the release of Milwaukee Circuit Court Judge Hannah Dugan, who was arrested for allegedly helping an undocumented immigrant avoid arrest.  

The rally and march, organized by local civil and workers’ rights advocacy group Voces De La Frontera, began outside their offices on West Mitchell Street before protesters marched more than two miles to Zeidler Union Square. Many demonstrators held signs calling for the release of Dugan after her arrest on April 25.  

Dugan has been charged with obstruction of justice and concealing an individual to prevent discovery and arrest, according to the criminal complaint. The complaint states that she was arrested a week after she allegedly helped an undocumented immigrant avoid arrest by directing him through a private door to avoid ICE agents in the courthouse’s public hallway.

“I think that what Judge Dugan did was absolutely the right thing historically and legally, given the assault on rights,” said UW-Milwaukee History Professor Rachel Buff. “The Fifth Amendment and the Fourteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution are very clear that due process is not a special right. It doesn’t pertain to just citizens. It doesn’t pertain to people with green cards. It pertains to everyone in the country.” 

Others worried that Dugan’s arrest could reflect a broader attack on civil liberties.  

“I was ready to come out and protest,” said protestor Delta Naus, “I feel that it’s just another attack on our freedoms. I feel that we are losing our democracy. And it’s so we need to stand up for our justices, especially.”  

Alongside the support for Dugan, the protest also included demands for more support and easier access to education, improved working conditions for Wisconsinites, and the end of anti-immigration policies.  

In addition to a demonstration of their demands, some attendees felt that the march and rally also provided a strong sense of community and solidarity for those who participated.  

“I was so surprised to see how many people came out today,” said protestor Kaylee Micheals. “And so many people of different cultures, different backgrounds, and they’re here for different reasons. But it’s all to have one big reason, and that’s to show what needs to happen and the changes that we want to see.” 

“I think it gives everyone a voice,” said protestor Rosario Iraci. “We’re all walking, we’re all united. All nationalities are here; all cultures are here. So, I think that’s what democracy looks like. 

The event also drew in several high school groups who participated in the protest.  

“We felt like we needed to make our voices heard and speak up for those who don’t have a voice,” said Brenette Tunney, a high schooler who attended the protest. “It’s really important to come, especially being young people, because a lot of people refuse to listen to our voices.” 

However, some were opposed to calls for her release. State Senator Van H. Wanggaard said she violated the law and should be held accountable.  

“Whatever her motivation, the ends cannot justify the means… the allegations against Judge Dugan are very serious,” said Senator Wanggaard in a press release. “If the facts outlined are true, they show an irrational, disregard for the law, her duties, and her responsibilities as a judge and attorney.”  

This is not the first protest calling for the release of Dugan, with some happening at the courthouse after her arrest was made public, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinal. Voces De La Frontera also organized another rally on May 2 in Madison in front of the Capitol building.  

“There’s a moral and constitutional question here that the American people will reject,” said Buff. “We are not going to be complicit in the kidnapping of people and have them tortured and in work camps and gulags in El Salvador. They’re trying to scare us, but it doesn’t seem to be working.”