Hundreds protest demanding obstruction charges be dropped for Milwaukee Judge Hannah Dugan
MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Hundreds of people protested outside the Federal Bureau of Investigation Milwaukee Division building Saturday, April 26, chanting and demanding for the obstruction charges against Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan to be dropped.
"We have your back," said Casey Serrano with the Milwaukee Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression. "We are here to fight for you. These charges must be dropped."
Dugan was arrested by the FBI on Friday and is accused of obstructing federal immigration agents. Protesters say Dugan's arrest is unjust.
"Hannah Dougan is a good, good person," said protestor, Camille Mortimore. "She's served our state well for a long time in the judiciary and she doesn’t deserve what happened to her, nor did the man who was being chased by ICE."
"I don’t believe she did break the law and if she did, she did it for a good reason," said Justin Bielinski, the Milwaukee County 16th District Supervisor.
Protesters are condemning the FBI and ICE, saying they don't belong in the courtroom and are terrorizing communities while contributing to unjust deportation of immigrants.
"ICE agents should not be harassing people inside, because that interferes with the running of our county," said Alan Chavoya with the Freedom Road Socialist Organization. "That interferes with the functioning of our courts and that interferes with justice, plain and simple."
Community leaders with multiple organizations spoke, saying Judge Dugan's actions show loyalty to the constitution. Protesters say they are refusing to allow cruelty to disguise itself as justice.
"I want to believe that our judges aren’t going to be silenced," said protester, Raichel West. "I want to believe that the judges that are in this country aren’t going to just be working for money, but to uphold the laws and uphold justice and be a moral rightful judge.”
Saturday was the second day of protests and organizers say this is just the beginning until they see action.
Dugan could face six years in prison if convicted of the charges. She is scheduled to return to court Thursday, May 15 for her next hearing.