Episode 10

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Published on:

27th Apr 2025

Another Dangerous First — Arresting a Judge

Take Action

If this concerns you, take action with those in this situation showing courage. Here's how you can make sure your elected officials and the public hear from you — and can't say they didn't know. 


📧 Email Template 

Subject: Defend Judicial Independence — Investigate the Arrest of Judge Dugan

Dear [Representative/Senator Name],

I am writing to express my deep concern over the recent arrest of Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan by federal agents under the direction of the Trump administration’s Department of Justice.

The circumstances are alarming. Judge Dugan presided over a routine misdemeanor hearing and exercised basic courtroom discretion — informing a defendant he was free to leave and allowing a non-public exit. The federal agents acted on an administrative immigration warrant, a civil matter, not a criminal one. Despite this, they handcuffed and removed a sitting judge from her own courthouse.

This is not normal in a democracy. Judicial conduct concerns must be handled through appropriate review channels, not through public criminal arrests designed to intimidate judges into political submission. When the judiciary is treated as an enemy rather than an independent check on power, the rule of law itself is under threat.

I urge you to publicly defend the independence of our courts, demand a full investigation into the circumstances of Judge Dugan’s arrest, and oppose any efforts to use federal power to punish judicial impartiality. Silence in the face of such abuses will only invite further erosion of the freedoms we depend upon.

Please respond with how you intend to uphold and defend the separation of powers in light of these dangerous developments.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]


☎️ Phone Script

Hi, my name is [Your Name], and I’m a constituent from [City, State].

I’m calling because I’m deeply concerned about the public arrest of Milwaukee County Judge Hannah Dugan. Arresting a sitting judge over a civil immigration matter — without using proper judicial review processes — is an attack on judicial independence. This is not normal in a democracy. I’m asking [Senator/Representative Name] to publicly defend the courts, demand a full investigation into the DOJ’s actions, and oppose any abuse of federal power to intimidate the judiciary.

I expect [him/her/them] to speak out. Thank you for taking my call.


📣 Sample Social Media Post 

 🚨 A sitting judge was handcuffed & arrested by Trump's DOJ for exercising basic courtroom discretion. This is not normal in a democracy — it’s a warning. Stand up for judicial independence before it's too late. #RuleOfLaw #DefendTheCourts #BiggerThanMe

https://player.captivate.fm/episode/321575fe-d05b-439c-a748-3f2c3b392ae6/


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About the Podcast

Bigger Than Me Democracy Project
Where headlines meet history—and we stand united.
Bigger Than Me is a rapid-response audio blog from the Bigger Than Me Democracy Project.

Hosted by Bonnie Ross, this blog helps listeners make sense of the moments that don’t just make news — they challenge democratic norms. Each episode breaks down what happened, why it matters, and how it fits into the authoritarian playbook described in On Tyranny by Timothy Snyder.

Here are the 20 lessons we return to again and again:
1. Do not obey in advance.
Authoritarianism thrives when people preemptively conform. Refuse to teach power what it can get away with.

2. Defend institutions.
Institutions don’t protect themselves. Pick one you care about — a court, a library, a newsroom — and take its side.

3. Beware the one-party state.
Support multiparty democracy and fair elections while you still can. Vote in every election. Consider running for office.

4. Take responsibility for the face of the world.
Symbols matter. Hate spreads when we get used to seeing it. Don’t look away. Don’t let it stand.

5. Remember professional ethics.
When leaders set bad examples, ethical commitments matter more. Rule of law needs defenders in every field.

6. Be wary of paramilitaries.
When the men with guns claim to protect the nation, watch who they march with. The merging of unofficial militias and official forces signals real danger.

7. Be reflective if you must be armed.
If you serve in uniform, be ready to say no when something isn't right.

8. Stand out.
The moment you do, others will follow. Nothing breaks the spell of the status quo like someone brave enough to go first.

9. Be kind to our language.
Avoid political clichés and empty slogans. Speak clearly. Read deeply. Think for yourself.

10. Believe in truth.
If nothing is true, power wins. Reality matters. Truth is the foundation of freedom.

11. Investigate.
Don’t just consume headlines. Subscribe to trustworthy journalism. Learn how propaganda works.

12. Make eye contact and small talk.
It’s more than polite — it’s civic glue. In times of fear and distrust, human connection is resistance.

13. Practice corporeal politics.
Get off the screen. Show up in person. Join others in physical, public acts of civic life.

14. Establish a private life.
Protect your digital life. Keep some conversations offline. Tyrants exploit what they learn about you.

15. Contribute to good causes.
Support organizations that reflect your values. Help sustain civil society with your time and money.

16. Learn from peers in other countries.
Authoritarianism is a global trend. Stay connected beyond borders. Have a passport. Use it.

17. Listen for dangerous words.
“Emergency.” “Terrorism.” “Extremism.” Authoritarians exploit these words to justify taking power.

18. Be calm when the unthinkable arrives.
Crises are used to break democracy. Don’t trade freedom for false promises of safety.

19. Be a patriot.
Model the kind of America you want future generations to inherit.

20. Be as courageous as you can.
No one wants to be a hero. But if we’re not willing to risk for freedom, we all risk losing it.

About your host

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Bonnie Ross