Former Wisconsin judge fined $5,000 and placed on probation for obstructing ICE arrest

A federal judge sentenced a former Wisconsin judge to a $5,000 fine and one year of probation after a jury convicted her of obstructing a government proceeding during an immigration arrest attempt. The sentencing occurred Wednesday in federal court.

The former judge had been convicted on a felony count of obstructing a government proceeding and acquitted of a misdemeanor charge of attempting to conceal someone from arrest.

Background of the incident The April 18, 2025, incident occurred while the former judge was overseeing a domestic violence hearing involving an illegal immigrant. Several victims were present when she cut proceedings short and directed the defendant out a nonpublic door.

A federal agent pursued the defendant through rain and traffic outside the courthouse. Officials said the chase endangered the migrant, federal agents and bystanders.

Sentencing and statements The federal judge overseeing the case said the former judge deserved leniency, describing the situation as one in which an otherwise good person made a bad decision. Prosecutors had asked for prison time to send a signal that interfering with immigration enforcement was unacceptable. The former judge resigned her county position after the incident.

“I have been cast as both a scofflaw and a hero. I am a public servant who’s just trying to do my job.”

The former judge said she had faced threats and become a recluse. She maintained she was protecting the integrity of her courtroom proceedings.