FBI Director Kash Patel Deletes Tweet About Arresting Wisconsin Judge – Then Posts It Again

FBI Director Kash Patel caused a stir Friday after tweeting about the arrest of Wisconsin Judge Hannah Dugan – then deleting the post without explanation. Just two hours later, he reposted the exact same message, leaving the public guessing about the motive behind the odd social media maneuver.

In the since-deleted tweet, Patel claimed that Judge Dugan intentionally obstructed a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operation by helping a man evade arrest inside her courtroom. The man, Eduardo Flores Ruiz, was allegedly able to flee through a side exit after the judge redirected federal agents.

“We believe Judge Dugan misled federal agents, endangering public safety,” Patel wrote, adding that FBI agents “chased down the perp on foot.” The tone of the message, with its dramatic flair, drew comparisons to TV cop dramas – and controversy online.

The arrest was later confirmed by the U.S. Marshals Service, who stated that Dugan was taken into custody on April 25 around 8:30 a.m. local time. She was charged with obstruction and concealing an individual, two felony counts under federal law.

Legal experts interviewed by the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel were split on whether Dugan’s actions actually constituted criminal behavior. Many criticized the arrest as excessive and politically motivated. Dugan herself made no public comment during the court appearance, but her attorney expressed outrage, saying the arrest “served no interest in public safety.”

Kash Patel, a former Trump media executive and controversial figure known for amplifying conspiracy theories, was narrowly confirmed as FBI Director in February 2025. Since taking office, he has frequently targeted perceived political enemies and leaned into a more theatrical brand of law enforcement. His deleted and reposted tweet only added to concerns about transparency and the political nature of his leadership.

Meanwhile, billionaire Elon Musk joined the conversation with a tweet calling it “more judicial corruption,” further inflaming partisan rhetoric around the case.

Judge Dugan, 65, has served since 2016 and previously worked with Legal Aid organizations. Critics say her arrest is part of a broader campaign by the Trump administration to go after judges and reshape the justice system to serve its own narrative.