The Feds Just Threatened to Arrest Wisconsin State Workers — All Because They Were Told to Talk to a Lawyer First

Dr. Chelsea McGee

Governor Tony Evers issued a memo — simple, legal, protective. State employees were told: “Consult legal counsel before engaging with ICE.” It was about defending rights, ensuring due process, and complying with the Constitution. But to the federal government? It was a provocation. Now, ICE and Border Czar Tom Homan are pushing back hard — and federal officials are reportedly threatening arrest for those who don’t fall in line. This isn’t just a policy dispute — it’s a constitutional firefight with handcuffs on the table.

Dr. Chelsea McGee

Bo French and David Clark discuss their take on the showdown between Border Czar, Tom Homan and Wisconsin Governor, Tony Evers over ICE Immigration RAIDS.

Dr. Chelsea McGee

Enter Tom Homan, Trump’s so-called 'border czar.' Now, Homan took the controversy up a notch by all but hinting that Evers—yes, a sitting governor—could face felony charges if his actions were deemed obstruction. Really, felony charges. Think about that. If a lawful memo advising people to know their rights draws threats from a federal official, where does that leave the rest of us? What message does that send?

Dr. Chelsea McGee

But here’s where it gets stickier. Just days before this, Judge Hannah Dugan in Milwaukee County comes under fire—federally indicted—for allegedly helping an undocumented immigrant evade ICE. Now, the facts here are contested; her team denies wrongdoing. But what stands out is how quickly the situation turned into a political flashpoint. Federal charges against a judge for actions within her courtroom? That’s heavy. Very heavy stuff.

Dr. Chelsea McGee

And honestly, this highlights a much broader issue. The judicial system, the very mechanism meant to provide balance, suddenly feels like it’s trapped under a magnifying glass. We know prosecutorial discretion exists, right? So, we must ask—was this about justice? Or was it about sending a chilling message to those who dare challenge federal authority?

Dr. Chelsea McGee

Now, stepping into this tangled mess of policy and power, let’s talk about the backlash. Governor Evers' memo may not have called for anything revolutionary—it’s just about ensuring employees have legal support, right? But the pushback has been staggering. Forty-one Republican lawmakers sent a letter demanding he rescind it, claiming it obstructs federal authorities. That’s the narrative they’re painting. Obstruction or ensuring legal protections? The lines are blurred, and intentionally so.

Dr. Chelsea McGee

Let’s not forget this is unfolding against a backdrop of Trump’s administration doubling down on sanctuary policies. His executive orders? They clearly aim to cut funding from jurisdictions that don’t fall in line with federal immigration enforcement. Couple that with Homan’s threats, and it looks like a strategic attempt to centralize authoritarian control under the federal government. Tell me that’s not a chilling scenario.

Dr. Chelsea McGee

And then you’ve got Democratic voices like State Senator LaTonya Johnson and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez standing their ground in the face of intimidation tactics. Johnson calls this whole situation 'outrageous,' and Ocasio-Cortez, well, she’s the fighter many expect her to be. 'Come for me,' she says to Homan. Her unapologetic rejection of these threats makes a statement—and not just about immigration policy, but about the fragility of democratic norms when threats start spilling into public discourse.

Dr. Chelsea McGee

Is this strategy just about enforcing immigration laws, or is it about silencing opposition? And where does this leave the actual people affected by these policies? We’re not talking hypotheticals here—people’s lives are on the line.

Dr. Chelsea McGee

Now let’s shift focus from the big, sweeping policies to real people caught in the crossfire. Take Eduardo Flores Ruiz. By all accounts, he’s a man trying to navigate an impossibly complex system. He found himself at the Milwaukee County Courthouse for a legal matter, only for the day to end with his arrest by ICE agents. And here’s the thing—navigating the U.S. immigration system is labyrinth-like, especially when federal enforcement looms over every step.

Dr. Chelsea McGee

And then we turn to Judge Hannah Dugan. Her name’s been dragged through headlines because she allegedly helped an undocumented immigrant leave her courtroom through a less visible exit—one ICE agents couldn’t intercept. Did she cross a legal line? Or was she exercising her discretion as a judge to ensure a fair process for a vulnerable person? Her legal team claims innocence. The larger conversation here—does her indictment set a precedent that discourages judicial independence? How heavy-handed does enforcement become before it starts eroding the very foundation of justice in this country?

Dr. Chelsea McGee

But the human cost doesn’t end with these two individuals. These cases highlight the chilling impact of federal overreach on public officials who dare to prioritize their constituents’ rights. Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers stepping up to clarify how state employees should handle ICE interactions—ensuring that legal counsel is involved—is not a crime. Let’s be clear about that. Yet he’s being framed as if it were. What does this tell us about the pressures local and state leaders face in these politically charged times?

Dr. Chelsea McGee

And I can’t help but reflect on the ethical dilemmas hanging over these stories. Judges, advocates, and public servants are walking a tightrope between doing what’s legally required and what’s morally right. Legal experts argue that this is a blatant power play—intimidation to suppress dissent and make an example of those willing to challenge authority. Are we watching democracy in action, or are we witnessing its erosion under a polarized, authoritarian framework?

Dr. Chelsea McGee

Ultimately, it underscores why activism matters so much. Silence lets this trajectory go unchecked, and what’s at stake here isn’t just policy—it’s the idea of justice, fairness, and rights in a nation built on these principles. Think about it, deeply, because these are not abstract debates. They’re real. Tangible. Personal.

Dr. Chelsea McGee

And that wraps up today’s journey through the complex intersections of law, ethics, and human impact in immigration policy. I want to personally thank each and every one of you for tuning in and being part of this discussion. Honestly, your support means more than you know. It’s what makes conversations like these possible.

Dr. Chelsea McGee

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Dr. Chelsea McGee

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Dr. Chelsea McGee

Because at the end of the day, what we do here? It’s more than just peeling back the headlines. It’s about upholding the values that matter—truth, justice, and the courage to speak boldly in an increasingly polarized world. Let’s never forget that.

Dr. Chelsea McGee

So, until next time, remember stay informed, stay bold, and, most importantly, stay real. Take care.