A number of Democratic lawmakers, previously vocal proponents of the principle that “no one is above the law,” are now voicing strong disapproval regarding the recent arrest of Wisconsin Judge Hannah Dugan. They warn this action could seriously jeopardize established legal frameworks.
Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-Minnesota) expressed her concern via social media, stating, “This is not normal.” The FBI arrested Dugan on charges of obstruction relating to an alleged attempt to prevent Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents from apprehending a Mexican migrant who had already been indicted.
“The administration’s arrest of a sitting judge in Wisconsin is a drastic move that threatens the rule of law,” Klobuchar continued, adding it represents “a grave step and undermines our system of checks and balances.”
Klobuchar’s stance contrasts with her previous declarations during President Trump’s 2019 impeachment proceedings. She then emphasized the importance of due process, stating that “no one is above the law” and advocating for a full Senate trial to hear all relevant evidence.
“In America, no one is above the law, and the American people deserve to hear evidence and witness testimony during a full and fair trial in the Senate. If the president has any facts to present in his defense to the articles of impeachment, we should hear them,”
she asserted at the time.
Following the 2022 FBI raid on Mar-a-Lago, Klobuchar further reinforced this message, declaring that “the law is king, and the former president isn’t.”
Senator Tina Smith (D-Minnesota) also condemned Dugan’s arrest, suggesting a potential pattern of targeting judges disliked by certain figures. “If Kash Patel and Donald Trump don’t like a judge, they think they can arrest them,” she stated.
“This is stunning — we must stand up to this blatant power grab. Republicans: How is this not a red line for you?”
Smith challenged.
Representative Gwen Moore (D-Wisconsin), who serves the district where Judge Dugan presides, criticized what she described as the White House’s willingness to “weaponize federal law enforcement,” characterizing the arrest as an instance of “overreach.” She vowed to closely monitor the case and expressed alarm at what she perceives as increasingly disregardful actions by ICE.
“I will be following this case closely and facts will come out. However, I am very alarmed at the increasingly lawless actions of the Trump administration, and in particular ICE, who have been defying courts and acting with disregard for the Constitution.”
Representative Ro Khanna (D-California) referenced a now-deleted post from Kash Patel, stating that the arrest represented a “constitutional crisis.” He emphasized that avoiding accountability simply because someone holds or seeks high office is unacceptable.
“Donald Trump and JD Vance are arresting judges now. Deleting the tweet won’t undo the constitutional crisis you have just thrust us into,”
Khanna wrote on X.
Representative Mark Pocan (D-Wisconsin) described Dugan’s arrest as a violation of established legal norms, comparing it to practices seen in “Third World countries.” He reiterated a previous statement following his impeachment vote, affirming that “no one is above the law.”
Fox News Digital has sought comment from the offices of Klobuchar and Smith. Moore’s office acknowledged their inquiry, while Pocan’s office indicated he was unavailable due to travel.
The growing chorus of Democratic criticism highlights concerns that recent actions represent an unprecedented challenge to judicial independence and the foundational principle of equal justice under law.
