Senator Bernie Sanders and other progressive lawmakers condemned the Trump administration’s arrest of Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan, accusing the President of authoritarianism and undermining the rule of law. Judge Dugan faces felony charges for allegedly obstructing federal immigration agents. The arrest is viewed by critics as a blatant power grab, an attack on the judiciary, and a chilling tactic to suppress dissent. Protests erupted in Milwaukee in response to the judge’s arrest, highlighting widespread concerns about the Trump administration’s actions.
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Following the arrest of Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan, Attorney General Pam Bondi issued a strong warning, declaring that the Trump administration will prosecute any American aiding undocumented individuals, regardless of their position. Bondi characterized judges who rule against the administration as “deranged” and asserted that they believe themselves above the law. This aggressive stance represents a direct threat to those who oppose the administration’s policies, extending beyond the judiciary to encompass any citizen deemed complicit. The Attorney General’s comments have sparked significant online concern regarding potential overreach and the erosion of judicial independence.
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FBI Director Kash Patel issued a since-deleted announcement alleging the arrest of Wisconsin Judge Hannah Dugan for obstruction of justice, claiming she aided an undocumented immigrant, Eduardo Flores Ruiz, in evading ICE arrest. The post, subsequently removed without explanation, stated that Ruiz was later apprehended. The incident follows a pattern of Trump administration criticism of judicial rulings, raising questions about the executive branch’s response to unfavorable court orders and the potential for judicial power limitations. This controversy highlights the complex interplay between judicial authority and executive enforcement, especially concerning contempt of court.
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President Trump issued an executive memorandum ordering an investigation into ActBlue, a Democratic fundraising platform, citing allegations of unlawful campaign contributions. The memo, referencing a House Republican report, accuses ActBlue of facilitating “straw” donations and evading federal contribution limits. ActBlue vehemently denies these claims, calling the investigation a politically motivated attack on democracy and vowing legal action. The memorandum directs Attorney General Bondi to investigate and enforce relevant laws, escalating existing tensions between the Trump administration and Democratic organizations.
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Milwaukee County Judge Hannah Dugan was arrested for allegedly obstructing immigration agents by helping an undocumented immigrant evade arrest. This action represents a significant escalation in the Trump administration’s conflict with local governments regarding deportation policy. The arrest follows months of increasing friction between the administration and the judiciary over immigration-related rulings. The charges against Judge Dugan underscore the administration’s aggressive stance on immigration enforcement and its willingness to pursue legal action against those perceived as obstructing it.
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Kilmar Abrego Garcia’s deportation to El Salvador’s CECOT prison, initially admitted as an “administrative error,” highlights the Trump administration’s disregard for legal protections and human rights. This inhumane practice, exemplified by the case of Venezuelan makeup artist Andry Hernández Romero, wrongly linked to a gang based on tattoos, has sent hundreds to the brutal CECOT facility. Despite congressional efforts to secure information about Hernández Romero, his fate remains unknown, underscoring the administration’s callousness and the erosion of human rights for non-citizens. These cases represent a severe humanitarian crisis and a potential constitutional violation.
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Four House Democrats, self-funding their trip after Republicans blocked public funds, visited El Salvador to advocate for the return of Kilmar Abrego Garcia and other individuals deported there under the Trump administration, defying a Supreme Court order. Their visit, spurred by Senator Van Hollen’s prior trip confirming Abrego Garcia’s survival, focused on securing proof of life and legal representation for detainees, including Andry José Hernández Romero. The delegation delivered letters to the State Department demanding action and emphasized the broader implications of the Trump administration’s actions for due process and the rule of law. This action highlights the ongoing struggle to address the plight of hundreds unjustly deported, even amidst other pressing domestic issues.
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A Maryland judge ordered the Trump administration to return Cristian, a Venezuelan asylum seeker deported to El Salvador in violation of a 2019 court settlement. The settlement protected unaccompanied minors with pending asylum claims from deportation until their cases were resolved. The judge’s order, citing a similar case involving Kilmar Abrego Garcia, mandates the administration cooperate with Salvadoran authorities to facilitate Cristian’s return. The administration argued Cristian’s deportation was justified under the Alien Enemies Act due to alleged gang affiliation, a claim disputed by the plaintiffs. This ruling further escalates the conflict between the Trump administration and the judiciary over immigration enforcement.
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Steve Bannon demands transparency from Elon Musk regarding his Department of Government Efficiency work, requesting specific details on uncovered fraud and waste before Musk disengages. Bannon also expressed distrust, demanding certification that no Trump administration data was accessed, despite supporting Musk’s efforts to cut government spending. He criticizes the current cuts as insufficient, advocating for deeper reductions in Pentagon and other discretionary spending to fund tax cuts, a position he maintains despite his past criticisms of Musk. Bannon further urges the Trump administration to implement previously discussed tax increases on millionaires.
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An internal Department of Justice letter, mistakenly posted online, revealed significant doubts among federal attorneys regarding the legal basis for Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy’s attempt to revoke the MTA’s congestion pricing tolls. The letter highlighted flaws in the current legal strategy and suggested alternative, albeit weaker, arguments. Following the accidental release and subsequent removal of the document, the Department of Transportation spokesperson accused the Southern District of New York attorneys of incompetence and announced they would be removed from the case. The incident further escalated tensions between the Trump administration and the Southern District of New York, adding another layer of complexity to the ongoing legal battle over the Manhattan tolls.
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John Q. Hosedrinker