Protesters gather in Milwaukee, call for charges against Judge Dugan to be dropped

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- A group of protesters gathered outside the Milwaukee Federal Building on Friday, April 25, after Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan was arrested.

Friday morning, Judge Dugan appeared at the federal courthouse. People inside the courtroom said federal officials did not seek to detain Dugan and she has been released.

Judge Dugan said in court that she protests her arrest, and it was "not made in the interest of public safety."

The group of protesters started off with about a dozen people but by the afternoon, hundreds were there.

Milwaukee Fight Back Coalition, Voces de la Frontera and other groups are calling for all charges against Judge Dugan be dropped and to end the targeting of judges that help immigrants. 

Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley says the Trump administration made a performance of her arrest.

Civil rights attorney and board member of Voces De La Frontera Richard Sachs says Judge Dugan made sure anyone had the right due process and the right to make themselves heard.

"This attack on Judge Dugan is the latest salvo. This is not going to end today or tomorrow, we have to be prepared for this fight for the long haul," said Sachs.

The Milwaukee Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression says they will be protesting the Milwaukee FBI Saturday afternoon.