Wisconsin's Eastern District judges are split on Trump's mandatory detention policy

Cases filed after July 1, 2025, grouped by judge and current outcome. Judges are separated according to how they have ruled on the Trump administration’s mandatory detention policy. Hover over or tap a bar for details.

Granted
Dismissed
Denied
Open

Judges upholding the policy

  1. J.P. Stadtmueller
  2. Brett Ludwig
  3. William Griesbach

These judges have consistently denied habeas petitions since July 2025, signaling agreement with the administration's interpretation of the law.

Judges rejecting the policy

  1. Pamela Pepper
  2. Lynn Adelman
  3. Byron Conway
  4. William Duffin*
  5. Nancy Joseph*

*Magistrate judges

These judges ruled the administration's mandatory detention policy misinterprets federal law.

Source: Wisconsin Watch analysis of U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin case files accessed via PACER.