Sun Apr 27 12:00:00 UTC 2025: **FBI Director’s X Post of Judge’s Arrest Sparks Policy Debate**
MILWAUKEE, WI – The posting of a photograph on X (formerly Twitter) by FBI Director Kash Patel depicting Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan’s arrest has ignited a controversy over Justice Department policy. The image, which doesn’t show Dugan’s face but shows her being escorted by law enforcement, was accompanied by the caption “No one is above the law.”
Judge Dugan was arrested Friday by the FBI on charges of obstruction and concealing an individual from arrest related to an immigration case. She appeared in court, was released, and is represented by attorney Craig Mastantuono, who criticized the arrest and the subsequent photo release as an attempt at intimidation. Mastantuono stated that there was no threat to public safety and Dugan was not given the opportunity to explain her actions.
Former Attorney General Eric Holder, who implemented a Justice Department policy restricting the release of defendant photos unless it serves a law enforcement function or is already public record, called Patel’s post a violation. Holder expressed concern that the action served to maximize intimidation. It remains unclear whether Attorney General Pam Bondi has altered this policy.
The FBI has yet to comment on the director’s actions. The incident raises questions about the balance between transparency and the potential for prejudicing a case through public dissemination of arrest imagery.
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