At a Glance
- Judge Hannah Dugan resigns after conviction for obstruction.
- Letter sent Saturday; Gov. Tony Evers to fill vacancy.
- Dugan cites ongoing federal case as distraction.
- Why it matters: Her resignation underscores conflict between state courts and federal immigration enforcement.
The embattled Wisconsin judge who was convicted last month for helping an immigrant evade federal officers has submitted her resignation to the governor. The letter, sent Saturday, comes amid calls from Republicans to impeach her and from Democrats to maintain judicial independence. Her departure will prompt a swift appointment by Gov. Tony Evers.
Resignation Letter
In her letter, Hannah Dugan wrote that over the past decade she handled thousands of cases with a commitment to treat all persons with dignity and respect. She added that the federal proceedings “are far from concluded but present immense and complex challenges that threaten the independence of our judiciary.” She said she is fighting for herself and for the judiciary.
Hannah Dugan stated:
> “As you know, I am the subject of unprecedented federal legal proceedings, which are far from concluded but which present immense and complex challenges that threaten the independence of our judiciary. I am pursuing this fight for myself and for our independent judiciary.”
Federal Conviction and Legal Proceedings
The conviction stemmed from an April 18 incident where federal officers tried to arrest a Mexican immigrant outside her courthouse. Hannah Dugan confronted agents and led the man, a 31-year-old, through a private door. He was later arrested after a foot chase and deported.
Political Reactions
- Robin Vos praised her resignation, saying:
> “I’m glad Dugan did the right thing by resigning and followed the clear direction from the Wisconsin Constitution.”
- Ann Jacobs expressed support:
> “Despite her situation, she is ever the champion of justice, wanting to remove the judiciary from a political battle over her fate. I’m sure this is terribly hard for her but she is true to her faith and her principles.”
- A spokesperson for Gov. Tony Evers confirmed receipt of the letter:
> “his office received Dugan’s letter, and he would work to fill the vacancy without delay.”
Incident Timeline
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Dec. 19 | Hannah Dugan convicted of obstruction |
| April 18 | Incident at Milwaukee County courthouse |
| Saturday (this week) | Resignation letter sent |
Key Takeaways
- Judge Hannah Dugan resigned following a federal obstruction conviction.
- The resignation was met with mixed political reactions, highlighting partisan divides.
- Gov. Tony Evers plans to appoint a replacement quickly.
With the vacancy now open, Wisconsin will move forward with a new judge while the federal case against Dugan continues to unfold.
