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Viewpoint | Milwaukee judge faces prison time in a case of judicial humanity

Leaked ICE data shows that 73 percent of people booked into ICE detention this fiscal year have no criminal convictions. Honoring the dignity of immigrants, including those without legal status, is an act of resistance.

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by Terry Hansen
      Guest Commentary

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Milwaukee County Judge Hannah Dugan has been convicted by a federal jury of felony obstruction for directing Eduardo Flores‑Ruiz, an undocumented immigrant, toward a back exit when she learned Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents were waiting in the building. If the conviction is upheld, Dugan faces up to five years in prison.

The Wisconsin Democracy Campaign issued a coalition statement asserting that the conviction sets "a dangerous precedent," and that "This case was never about one individual. It was about whether people can still walk into a courthouse without fear and trust the justice system to protect them."

Notably, leaked ICE data analyzed by the Cato Institute show that 73 percent of people booked into ICE detention this fiscal year have no criminal convictions, nearly half lack even pending charges, and only 5 percent have violent convictions—contradicting claims of targeting “the worst of the worst.”

Legal scholar Samera Esmeir coined the term "juridical humanity," meaning the way law defines who counts as human. Esmeir describes the history of juridical humanity as a "tale about loss," including "the loss of the human to modern law, when the law laid claim to a monopoly over the power to declare the presence of the human."

Applied to Trump-era immigration policy and cases like Judge Dugan’s, it captures how people are rendered “human” only to the extent that they fit a legal status the state recognizes and values.

Current immigration practices embody this concept: threats of denaturalization against “disloyal” citizens and mass deportations to El Salvador’s CECOT mega-prison—often ignoring due process or torture allegations—relegate migrants to a downgraded humanity.

Law doesn’t just close borders; it manufactures lesser humans.

Congress’ failure to pass immigration reform helps entrench juridical humanity by freezing an outdated legal system and forcing battles over humanity into executive and judicial discretion, instead of democratic lawmaking.

Comprehensive reform has stalled for over two decades, leaving millions in precarious or “liminal” status—the undocumented, Dreamers (DACA), people with Temporary Protected Status, and long-term residents—whose basic life conditions depend on fragile, reversible policies rather than secure legal personhood.

In juridical humanity terms, Congress keeps in place a hierarchy where some people are fully recognized humans (citizens), while others are only partially recognized and can be detained, deported, or excluded with fewer protections because their legal status is unresolved or deliberately kept temporary.

Significantly, this past February, the White House posted a dehumanizing video on X of shackled and downcast detainees boarding airplanes, accompanied by the sounds of jangling chains and the revving of airplane engines. The post was titled "ASMR: Illegal Alien Deportation Flight."

ASMR (autonomous sensory meridian response) videos use visuals and sound to create a relaxing, tingling sensation that helps viewers de-stress. Elon Musk, then head of the Department of Government Efficiency, retweeted the post, writing “Haha wow,” along with emojis of a troll and a medal.

While the ideological façade of Trump's immigration policies is the protection of U.S. citizens, its goals clearly include humiliation and cruelty.

The Declaration of Independence is prominently displayed behind President Trump’s Oval Office desk. Its ideals proclaim that "all men are created equal” and “are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights,” and that governments are "instituted" only “to secure” these pre-existing rights—not to grant or revoke them.

Honoring the dignity of immigrants, including those without legal status, is an act of resistance, an attempt to reclaim humanity from a restrictive, legally imposed form.

If appellate courts overturn Dugan's conviction, they will keep open a small, vital space where the law can still be forced, by both judges and movements, to acknowledge a humanity it did not create and has no legitimate authority to erase.

Terry Hansen is a retired educator who writes frequently about climate change and on human rights. He lives in Grafton, WIsconsin.

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TAGS: US immigration system is outdated, Milwaukee County judge convicted of felony obstruction, people are only human if they have legal status, the law dehumanizes people who don't belong

Viewpoint | Women in authority roles exposes male mediocrity

Who keeps moving the finish line whenever a woman take over a leadership position in work or politics?

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by Yumna Zahid Ali, Guest Commentator

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Who told you leadership has a gender? Who decided authority sounds masculine and strength must wear a man’s face? Who keeps moving the finish line every time a woman reaches it? And why, in the 21st century, are we still pretending this debate isn’t already settled? Because, honestly, this argument itself is tired, dusty, and intellectually embarrassing. The idea that women are “born followers” is not an opinion. It is a confession. Yes! A confession of insecurity, nostalgia for unearned authority, and fear that their own mediocrity will be exposed.

So, let me be clear, once and for all: Women are leaders. Not potential leaders. Not emerging leaders. Not leaders “despite” being women. Leaders. Period. And anyone still arguing otherwise is not protecting tradition…they’re protecting their own comfortable delusion.

It’s unbelievable how men have been failing upward for centuries, but somehow, women are the risky choice? All of which exposes the double standard: a man forgets half the plan: he’s “visionary.” A woman delivers the entire plan: she’s “bossy.” A man yells: he’s passionate. A woman raises her voice: she needs to “calm down.” A man leads with ego: a strong leader. A woman leads with results: threatening.

Interesting math!

The world loves to say women are “too emotional” to lead, while history is basically a very long, very embarrassing highlight reel of male tantrums with catastrophic consequences. Wars started over bruised egos, chest-thumping pride, and leaders who mistook dominance for wisdom. Empires burned because someone could not handle being challenged, corrected, or told no. Borders were redrawn because a man felt entitled to land, power, or legacy. Millions died not because solutions were unavailable, but because compromise bruised male pride. Entire populations were sacrificed to prove strength, authority, and superiority.

Don't believe me? The evidence is written across the cities themselves: Warsaw, Berlin, Dresden, Hiroshima, Nagasaki, Stalingrad, Leningrad, Grozny, Aleppo, Mariupol, Kyiv, Baghdad, Gaza City, and countless more.

The status quo consumes women’s labor but panics at women’s authority. It adores women as supporting characters, housekeepers, emotional sponges, therapists, sacrificial lambs, anything but decision-makers. Because a woman with power isn’t inspirational; she’s inconvenient.

Women who actually lead are called cold, unlikable, and arrogant. Interesting how male leaders with the same traits are called focused, commanding, and confident. Apparently, likability is a mandatory tax only if you are not supposed to have power.

Say it with me: Women are leaders. Not someday. Not maybe. Not if approved.

They always have been.

The only difference now? They’re done explaining it to people who were never even qualified to question it in the first place.

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About the author ~

Yumna Zahid Ali is a writer and educator who spends her free time reading, analyzing literature, and exploring cultural and intellectual debates. When she’s not writing for global audiences, she enjoys reflecting on societal issues and using her voice to challenge inequities, especially those affecting women. She also loves diving into history, believing that remembering the past is an act of defiance and a way to hold power accountable.

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TAGS: women have always been leaders, why are men so afraid of women in leadership roles, why are women a risky choice for governing, Women born flollowers, male insecurity challenged

Urbana police investigating Christmas Eve shooting during Circle K robbery

A stolen vehicle was used in a Christmas Eve armed robbery at a Circle K in Urbana. Police are asking anyone with information to come forward.

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URBANA - The Urbana Police Department is searching for a suspect in an armed robbery that occurred Christmas Eve at the Circle K at 507 W. University Ave.

At approximately 10:44 p.m. Dec. 24, 2025, Urbana police were called to the convenience store after a report of a shooting with injuries. Officers arrived to find the store clerk on duty injured during the robbery. The victim was transported to a local hospital, where they were treated and remain hospitalized in stable condition.

Police ask anyone with information to call 217-384-2320. Tips may be shared privately. Those wishing to remain anonymous may contact Crime Stoppers at 217-373-TIPS (217-373-8477), submit tips online at 373tips.com, or use the P3 Tips mobile app. Crime Stoppers does not use caller ID, and calls are not recorded.

The suspect was described as a male wearing a black jacket, black pants, sunglasses and a face covering. The suspect arrived at and fled the scene in a vehicle later determined to be stolen. The vehicle was abandoned after the robbery and recovered by Urbana police.

Police reminded the public that all individuals are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

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TAGS: Urbana armed robbery Christmas Eve, Circle K shooting Urbana Illinois, Urbana Police robbery investigation, Christmas Eve gas station robbery Urbana, stolen vehicle armed robbery Urbana

Area high school basketball scores for December 29

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Here is a quick roundup of basketball scores for area teams on Friday, December 29.

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Girls Basketball

Girls' Area Scoreboard

Camp Point Central 60, St. Joseph-Ogden 56
Oakwood 44, Attica 36
Bloomington Central Catholic 56, El Paso-Gridley 47
Riverdale 61, Bloomington Central Catholic 55

Boys Basketball

Boys' Area Scoreboard

St. Joseph-Ogden 51, Bishop McNamara 49
St. Joseph-Ogden 62, Bloomington Central Catholic 53
Unity 80, Central A&M 49
Arthur-Lovington-Atwood-Hammond 62, Okaw Vallery 56
Marist 77, Champaign Central 27
Providence Cristo Rey 58, Heritage 46
Mahomet-Seymour 51, Dunlap 47
Warrensville South 38, Mahomet-Seymour 32

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Guest Commentary | A new year is coming, savor the moment

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by Glenn Mollette, Guest Commentator

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Seems like yesterday that we were making New Year’s resolutions. Time flies by!

Glenn Mollette

Since time goes by so quickly the first resolution we all might consider making is to savor the moment. Every day is a gift and a celebration. Savor your work, family, friends, entertainment, hobbies, church, meals, nature and every aspect of life. Don’t rush 2026 because it will be over in the blink of your eye.

Plan your holidays in advance for 2026. Let’s make the holidays count. Consider celebrating the holidays in 2026 on days other than the actual holiday dates. Families can only be one place at a time. Why not have your get togethers a week or even two before? Celebrate Thanksgiving or Christmas at different times so you can include more people and different places. Give it a thought for each holiday and I believe you will have more unrushed friend and family gatherings.

Schedule your doctor’s appointments and have your blood work done. None of us are excited about doctor’s appointments but blood work and checkups provide information we need to take care of these bodies.

Exercise this year. Exercise is moving your body. You can do this anywhere. Turn on your radio and dance in your house. Dance in your kitchen or garage. You don’t have to spend most of your day traveling to a gym and back. Turn on some music and in 20 to 30 minutes you can break into a sweat. Forty minutes is best but 20 to 30 minutes every day will rid your body of some sugar and toxins your liver and kidneys don’t need. Exercise is moving. Keep moving in 2026.

Cut back on red meat, fried foods and sugary desserts. Eating these items often will impact you negatively. Once or twice a month is far different than every day or two or three times a week.

Focus on teamwork in 2026. You can’t do everything. You can’t do everything for your children. You are only one person. You can be more successful with help. Good help is hard to find but families must work together. You can’t carry the financial burden for everyone else. Several people working together can accomplish most anything but if it all falls on one person then success will be more difficult if not impossible.

Plan to create good memories in 2026. Too often we spend our time reflecting on mistakes, sickness, death and unfortunate things that happened in the past. Determine to do something as often as you can that will create a good memory for you and others who might be impacted.

Think about what you want to accomplish in 2026 and try. What do you have to lose? If you don’t aim for a target then you hit nothing. Hitting something will be better than nothing. Think about it, even make a list.

Keep the fire burning. Don’t quit stirring the flame. Keep piling the wood on. Keep the fire hot. Too often we let the fire die. We get cold and feel empty. Don’t let your fire die. The fire keeps us warm. Warmth is energy and strength. It provides light.

Keep your faith strong. You can do a lot more with God than without Him. Let’s go 2026!

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About the author ~

Glen Mollett is the author of 13 books including Uncommom Sense, the Spiritual Chocolate series, Grandpa's Store, Minister's Guidebook insights from a fellow minister. His column is published weekly in over 600 publications in all 50 states.

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The views expressed are those of the author and are not necessarily representative of any other group or organization. We welcome comments and views from our readers. Submit your letters to the editor or commentary on a current event 24/7 to editor@oursentinel.com.

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Eisenmenger leads Unity in blast past Central A&M at holiday tournament

Unity boy's basketball team rolls over Central A&M at holiday tournament.

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EFFINGHAM - Dane Eisenmenger led the way offensively as Unity pulled away early and never looked back Monday at the Effingham Christmas Classic.

Eisenmenger scored 15 points to pace four Unity players in double figures in an 80-49 win over Central A&M. The victory marked the Rockets’ fifth straight and improved Unity’s record to 7-1 on the season.

Unity seized control from the opening tip, limiting Central A&M to just three field goals in the first quarter while building a 17-point lead. The defensive effort allowed the Rockets to dictate tempo and keep the Raiders out of rhythm for much of the night.

The margin widened in the second quarter as Unity showcased its depth. Eight different Rockets combined to score 28 points in the period, turning an early advantage into a commanding halftime lead and putting the game firmly in Unity’s control.

Carter Schmid and Taylor Henry each finished with 12 points for the Rockets, providing consistent support throughout the lineup. Mason O’Neill added 11 points, and Colton Langendorf chipped in 10 as Unity spread scoring responsibilities and kept fresh bodies on the floor.

Central A&M fell to 5-5 despite a team-high 19 points from Ace Spinner. Kadyn Higgins added 12 points for the Raiders, who were unable to close the gap after the opening quarter.

With the outcome largely decided by halftime, Unity remained steady in the second half, continuing to rotate players and manage the game on both ends of the floor. The Rockets cruised through the final two quarters, closing out another convincing win and carrying momentum forward in holiday tournament play.

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TAGS: Unity Rockets boys basketball Christmas Classic win, Dane Eisenmenger scoring performance Unity, Unity vs Central A&M basketball recap, Effingham Christmas Classic Unity Rockets, Unity five-game winning streak boys basketball

Plan ahead to stay healthy, avoid the flu during the holiday season

by Matt Sheehan
OSF Healthcare

PEORIA - Each winter, flu activity tends to rise just as families begin gathering for the holidays. This year is no exception. National surveillance data shows influenza circulating in many regions of the country, with ongoing activity expected through winter.

Doug Kasper, M.D.
OSF Infectious Disease Specialist

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As travel, school breaks and holiday events increase, health experts emphasize planning ahead to stay well.

Navigating flu season during the holidays

“We're in a unique part of the year. We had Thanksgiving and we're going into the Christmas and New Year holiday. We have schools on breaks and people traveling,” says Doug Kasper, MD, infectious disease specialist with OSF HealthCare. “We notice nationwide that when there's viral activity on the coasts, it will eventually find its way into every part of the area, which includes Central Illinois.”

Health organizations such as the U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) are also urging families to stay alert to flu symptoms and take steps to protect themselves.

Flu vaccine helps preserve normal routines

For many families, staying healthy during the holidays means protecting not only themselves but also older adults, infants and immunocompromised relatives.

“People will start to travel and be around older and younger family members as families congregate. We want people to protect themselves but also be able to enjoy those activities without getting sick,” Dr. Kasper says. “It's also a time where kids are bringing home infections from school. So, we want our kids to be in school and participate in activities. Anything we can offer them to help keep them in their normal routine is beneficial, which includes flu vaccines for our children.”

Flu vaccination remains the best way to reduce severe illness and disruption, which is especially important for school-aged children whose attendance affects the whole household.

When you're sick, staying at home matters

While vaccination reduces risk, the flu can still spread quickly – especially in places where people gather. That’s why knowing when to stay home remains essential.

“If you are sick, you need to stay home. Especially in our school populations, it's hard when a child is sick. Maybe they're borderline and you don't know how sick they are, it's hard to remain home,” Dr. Kasper says. “We see a lot of infections that start at the level where we congregate. Whether that's at school or a medical facility, it will find its way into our homes. So, the way to try and address that is that if you're sick, particularly if you have a fever, is to stay home. At least be without a fever for 24 hours before resuming normal activity.”

Public health agencies echo this guidance, advising families to keep children home from school when they have a fever, vomiting, severe cough or other flu-like symptoms.

Flu symptoms can come on suddenly and vary from person to person. Common flu symptoms include:

• Fever
• Muscle or body aches
• Extreme exhaustion or fatigue
• Headache
• Cough
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Sneezing
• ometimes a sore throat
• Vomiting or diarrhea

Fever and body aches often last for three to seven days. Cough and fatigue may last for two weeks or more.

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TAGS: Oakwood girls drop two games at tournament, St. Joseph-Ogden wins by 14 at State Farm tournament, Champaign Central sweeps holiday tournament games on Saturday,

The Sentinel On This Day | December 28

Here is a recap of the headlines on this day from The Sentinel archives. Look back at the local news, sports, political stories, and opinion pieces that shaped life in Champaign County. Articles on this day include a story about diet fads, SJO basketball winning at the State Farm Classic, and unsafe toys. Check out all the headlines below.

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Editor's choice ~

NORMAL - Atleigh Miller, a freshman, came off the bench to score eight points, leading St. Joseph-Ogden's offensive production in their 59-26 loss to Rockford Lutheran (11-4) at the State Farm Holiday Classic on Saturday. The Spartans (6-8) finished the tournament with a 1-2 record.

Read the article . . .

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Sentinel Article Archive for December 28

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~ More Articles ~

December 27 Archives

December 29 Archives

TAGS: How to stay healthy this flu season, Illinois women's basketball beat Purdue on the road, Maclayne Taylor sinks last second shot for SJO win, Determining our destiny

Area high school basketball scores for December 27

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Here is a quick roundup of basketball scores for area teams on Friday, December 27.

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Girls Basketball

Girls' Area Scoreboard

Winnebago 55, Central Catholic 51
North Vermillion 60, Oakwood 29
Westville 51, Oakwood 30
Bismarck-Henning-Rossville-Alvin 45, Attica 18
Bismarck-Henning-Rossville-Alvin 30, Seeger, 28
Unity 42, Litchfield 39
Mt. Pulaski 55, Unity 23
St. Joseph-Ogden 49, Rochester 35
Centennial 61, Hoopeston Area 28 (OT)
Hoopeston Area 50, Attica 34
Champaign Central 48, Mattoon 21
Champaign Central 75, Sullivan 66

Boys Basketball

Boys' Area Scoreboard

Bismarck-Henning-Rossville-Alvin 78, Milford 59
Bismarck-Henning-Rossville-Alvin 75, Phalen Leadership 69
Heritage 66, Cerro Gordo-Bement 59
Salt Fork 60, Heritage 45
Tuscola 75, Oakwood 49
Paxton-Buckley-Loda 66, Oakwood 56
Normal University 58, St. Jospeh-Ogden 50
Rantoul 57, Thornton Fractional North 51
Normal Community 54, Mahomet-Seymour 51

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TAGS: Oakwood girls drop two games at tournament, St. Joseph-Ogden wins by 14 at State Farm tournament, Champaign Central sweeps holiday tournament games on Saturday,

Illinois rides third-quarter shooting barrage to victory at Purdue

Berry Wallace scored a game-high 21 points to lead Illinois to an 83-73 road win over Purdue. The Illini never trailed and used a dominant third quarter to pull away. The win extended Illinois’ streak to 10 games.

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WEST LAFAYETTE, IN - Berry Wallace set the tone on the game’s first possession and never let it slip away. The junior delivered her most productive Big Ten performance to date, anchoring Illinois through momentum swings and a decisive second-half surge.

Wallace scored a game-high 21 points and grabbed seven rebounds as Illinois pulled away for an 83-73 road win over Purdue on Sunday at Mackey Arena. The victory extended the Fighting Illini’s winning streak to 10 games and moved them to 2-0 in Big Ten play for the first time since the 2007-08 season.

Illinois struck first when Wallace finished a layup after the opening tip, part of a 6-0 start that set an early rhythm. The Illini, opening the game 3-for-3 from the field, built a 28-18 advantage after one quarter and had to glance over their shoulder periodically as Purdue methodically tried to keep the contest competitive. Wallace scored 12 of her points after halftime, including eight during a pivotal third quarter that pushed the lead into double digits.

"We came out really strong and put up 28 points in the first quarter," said Illini head coach Shauna Green, highlighting the team's early lead on the Boilermakers. "I thought our defense was great. We were scoring and that kept them out of transition where they thrive at."

Gretchen Dolan complemented Wallace with a steady, efficient outing. The senior finished with 19 points on 7-for-12 shooting, went a perfect 5-for-5 from the free-throw line and added three assists and two steals. Dolan poured in 15 second-half points and posted a team-best plus-minus of plus-14, marking her 11th double-digit scoring game of the season and the 18th of her career.

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Every time they made a run, we came back and made plays when we had to.

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Maddie Webber provided an immediate spark off the bench, checking in midway through the first quarter and scoring 11 of her 12 points in the opening period. Webber knocked down all four of her shots, including three from beyond the arc, helping Illinois maintain control early.

After Purdue closed within 40-38 at halftime, Illinois seized the game in the third quarter.

"I thought we came out really strong," Green said after the break. "At halftime, we talked about getting back to us, defending and taking care of the basketball."

The Illini outscored the Boilermakers 27-15 in the period and closed it on an 8-0 run, holding Purdue scoreless for the final 2:36 to build a 67-53 lead.

Cearah Parchment added 14 points, eight rebounds and three steals, going 10-for-11 at the free-throw line while leading Illinois’ work on the glass.

Illinois finished with a 35-26 rebounding edge, including a 21-11 advantage in the second half, and converted 16 Purdue turnovers into 23 points. The win marked Illinois’ first at Purdue since 2015 and improved the Illini to 12-1 overall.

"I give our kids a lot of credit," Green said, commenting on the team's overall performance. "In an environment like this, we had to withstand multiple runs and we did it. Every time they made a run, we came back and made plays when we had to."

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TAGS: Illinois women’s basketball road win at Purdue, Berry Wallace career high Big Ten game, Illinois vs Purdue women’s basketball recap, Fighting Illini 10-game winning streak, Illinois women’s basketball 2025 Big Ten start