Rep. Tom Tiffany, a Republican from Wisconsin, is calling for the resignation of Judge Monica Isham. This comes after Isham expressed her intention not to allow U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents to apprehend illegal immigrants in her courtroom. In a recent post on social media, Tiffany stated, “Monica Isham is choosing to protect illegal aliens over the law. She should resign or be removed.”
The controversy began when Isham sent an email to judges across Wisconsin, stating that she would not facilitate the deportation of illegal migrants. She titled her email “Guidance Requested or I Refuse to Hold Court.” In her message, she expressed her concerns about due process and emphasized that she did not want to see anyone taken from her courtroom by ICE. “Should I start raising bail money?” she questioned, reflecting her frustration with the current administration.
Isham further threatened to stop holding court sessions if she did not receive guidance or support from the judicial system. “I will not put myself or my staff in harm’s way,” she said, highlighting her concerns for the safety of her team and community. She mentioned an upcoming meeting for judges in her district, hoping for direction on how to proceed.
Isham made history in 2023 by becoming the first Native American woman to serve on the Sawyer County circuit court. In a TikTok video, she affirmed her commitment to her responsibilities and the importance of her role in the community.
The situation has drawn attention beyond local circles. Harmeet Dhillon, the Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights, described Isham’s threats as “problematic.” This incident follows a previous case in Wisconsin where Judge Hannah Dugan was arrested for allegedly helping an illegal immigrant evade arrest. The actions of Dugan were even labeled “heroic” by New York Times columnist David Brooks, who suggested that civil disobedience may be necessary in such situations.
As the debate continues, the focus remains on the balance between immigration enforcement and the judicial responsibilities of judges like Isham. The outcome of this situation could have significant implications for how courts handle cases involving illegal immigration in the future.