Arresting Dissent
Donald Trump has increasingly embraced the language and tactics of authoritarianism, repeatedly threatening to prosecute or punish those he views as political enemies. In a recent speech at Madison Square Garden, he declared that “America is an occupied country—and it will soon be an occupied country no longer,” a chilling signal of his intent to purge those he deems disloyal. His rhetoric has been matched by action: he has made over 100 public threats to investigate, arrest, or otherwise punish perceived opponents. Among the most alarming incidents, Trump had Judge Hannah Dugan arrested, and during a Department of Homeland Security meeting, oversaw the arrest of U.S. Senator Alex Padilla—moves widely condemned as politically motivated and legally dubious. This page explores how such actions mark a dangerous erosion of democratic norms and signal a broader effort to weaponize the justice system against dissent.
Trump has made more than 100 threats to prosecute or punish perceived enemies.
"Retribution"
Since 2022, former President Donald Trump has made over 100 threats to investigate, prosecute, or punish political opponents, journalists, former officials, and critics. These threats are part of his ongoing rhetoric of “retribution” and are fueled by his false claims of election fraud and grievances over his own legal troubles, including 34 felony convictions and multiple indictments.
Legal experts warn that if re-elected, Trump could seriously undermine civil liberties and democratic institutions, especially with few legal constraints and loyal allies in key positions. Some of his targets are already taking steps to protect themselves.
Critics, including former aides like Stephanie Grisham and John Bolton, say Trump is intent on a "retribution presidency" and would act without guardrails. The Republican National Committee, however, dismissed the concerns and accused the Biden administration of politicizing the justice system.
Trump Has:
Senator Alex Padilla (D-CA) was handcuffed and forcibly removed from a Department of Homeland Security press converence.
Restrained and Handcuffed
Senator Alex Padilla (D-California) was handcuffed and forcibly removed from a Department of Homeland Security press conference in Los Angeles on June 12, 2025, after interrupting Secretary Kristi Noem to challenge the federal government’s aggressive immigration enforcement in the city. Known for his calm demeanor, Padilla had been attending a nearby military briefing when he learned of Noem’s event and confronted her use of a few undocumented criminals to justify a sweeping federal presence. Instead of being asked to wait or speak later, Padilla—who clearly identified himself as a U.S. senator—was pushed, restrained, and handcuffed by federal agents. The incident, captured on video, sparked widespread outrage and bipartisan concern. Padilla, the son of Mexican immigrants, said the experience made him reflect on how ordinary people might be treated even more harshly, and raised questions about racial profiling and government overreach. While some Republican senators expressed quiet support privately, most avoided public comment. Padilla later said he is still processing whether his identity influenced the treatment he received, but the confrontation has elevated his national profile and ignited broader debates about civil rights, immigration, and democratic accountability. Despite not receiving direct answers from Secretary Noem, he remains committed to holding the administration accountable and protecting others from being silenced by intimidation or fear.
JD Vance's Racist Response - "Jose Padilla"
During a visit to Los Angeles, Vice President JD Vance sparked outrage by referring to Senator Alex Padilla as “José Padilla”—confusing the California senator with a convicted terrorist—in a dismissive comment that many saw as racially charged and deliberately disrespectful. While criticizing Democrats for allegedly encouraging violent protests, Vance mocked Padilla’s recent confrontation with DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, calling it “political theater,” and said, “I was hoping José Padilla would be here.” A spokesperson later claimed Vance “mixed up two people who have broken the law,” despite Padilla never being charged with a crime and having served alongside Vance in the Senate. The misidentification drew sharp condemnation from California leaders including Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, who accused Vance of intentionally demeaning Padilla, a Latino member of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus. Padilla responded by calling Vance’s remarks petty and unserious, highlighting the administration’s failure to address the real human impact of its aggressive immigration crackdown.
Judge Hannah Dugan was arrested for "circumventing an ICE raid"
The Charges
Judge Hannah Dugan, a Milwaukee County Circuit judge, was arrested by the FBI on federal charges of obstruction and concealing an undocumented immigrant from arrest. The charges stemmed from an incident on April 18, when federal agents attempted to arrest Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, a Mexican immigrant who had been previously deported and was back in the U.S. illegally.
Exit Through the Other Side
Dugan became visibly upset when she learned of the agents' presence in her courtroom and later confronted them in a public hallway, demanding they leave. She allegedly directed Flores-Ruiz and his attorney to exit the courthouse through a nonpublic jury door, allowing him to evade arrest. The agents eventually found Flores-Ruiz outside, but he fled before being captured.
Federal Overreach
The Trump administration hailed the arrest as a critical step in their crackdown on immigration violations and officials impeding federal enforcement, with Attorney General Pam Bondi and border czar Tom Homan stating that such actions would not be tolerated. However, critics, including Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers and Democratic Rep. Gwen Moore, viewed the arrest as a threat to the legal system and an example of federal overreach. The case has sparked a debate over the balance between immigration enforcement and judicial independence.
Brad Lander, New York City Comptroller, was briefly arrested by ICE agents while observing immigrationcourt proceedings.
On June 17, 2025, New York City Comptroller and Democratic mayoral candidate Brad Lander was briefly arrested by ICE agents while observing immigration court proceedings in Lower Manhattan. ICE alleged that Lander assaulted officers and obstructed a federal agent, though the charges were later dropped following intervention by Governor Kathy Hochul, who condemned the incident as a “sorry day for New York and our country.” Lander had been at the courthouse to support immigrants potentially targeted by ICE and was detained while assisting a man named Edgardo, who was later taken into custody. Lander denied any wrongdoing, stating he merely asked to see a judicial warrant before masked ICE agents handcuffed him. He highlighted the systemic injustices faced by immigrants like Edgardo, who often lack legal representation and due process. The arrest drew swift backlash from political leaders, civil rights groups, and Lander’s wife, Meg Barnette, who witnessed the incident and called it an abuse of power; critics, including the ACLU, labeled it authoritarian intimidation and condemned the targeting of elected officials for defending immigrant rights.
Rep. LaMonica McIver and Newark Mayor Ras Baraka were arrested for visiting a private run ICE detention facility in Newark
Visit to a private-run ICE facility
New Jersey Rep. LaMonica McIver has been indicted on three federal charges stemming from a confrontation outside the Delaney Hall ICE detention facility in Newark, where she allegedly assaulted and resisted federal officers during the arrest of Newark Mayor Ras Baraka. The incident occurred on May 9 during an unannounced congressional visit to the privately run migrant jail, which had reopened amid President Trump’s aggressive immigration enforcement push. According to the indictment, Baraka was denied entry, then allowed onto the property during a protest, but was later ordered to leave. As officers attempted to arrest him, McIver reportedly shouted, “Hell no!” and physically interfered with agents to prevent his detention.
Politically Motivated Arrest
Videos released by the Department of Homeland Security allegedly show McIver pushing federal officers, including shoving one on the shoulder and slamming her arm into another. While the charges against Baraka were later dropped, McIver now faces up to 17 years in prison. She has denounced the indictment as politically motivated and vowed to fight the charges, saying she was fulfilling her oversight responsibilities and attempting to de-escalate an unnecessary confrontation created by federal agents. The ACLU of New Jersey called the indictment an unprecedented act of political intimidation by the Trump administration. Mayor Baraka has since filed a lawsuit accusing federal officials of false arrest and malicious prosecution. Critics argue the arrests and legal actions are part of a broader crackdown on Democratic officials resisting federal immigration policy, especially in sanctuary jurisdictions like Newark.