Over 200 Rally in Hayward to Support Local Judge and Defend Judicial Independence

By Jennifer Cadotte

LCO PR Specialist

More than 200 people gathered Thursday at the intersection of Highways 27 and 63 in Hayward to take part in a May Day demonstration organized by the grassroots group “50501 Movement.” The protest was held in support of Sawyer County Circuit Court Judge Monica Isham, who has recently drawn national attention following the public circulation of a letter she wrote to colleagues within the Tenth Judicial Administrative District.

Judge Isham, the first woman and Indigenous person elected to Sawyer County Circuit Court (Branch 2), had written to fellow judges requesting guidance on how to respond if U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) were to conduct a raid at the courthouse. The letter, which was not intended for public release, was shared outside the circuit and gained national exposure after being reported by Fox News and other media outlets.

Following the coverage, Isham has reportedly received threats, prompting local and regional supporters to organize the protest in what they described as a show of solidarity and a call to uphold democratic principles.

“We are here to stand with Judge Isham for showing the courage to ask important questions,” said Hayward resident Paul DeMain, a community leader and activist who addressed the crowd. DeMain also voiced concerns about broader political and economic issues, including what he sees as diminishing international credibility and economic uncertainty.

Though the protest remained peaceful, demonstrators carried signs and chanted slogans such as “Democracy Now!” and “We Stand with Monica!” Organizers described the event as both a show of support for Isham and a broader response to what they view as increasing political pressure on the judiciary and threats to due process.

No arrests or incidents were reported during the demonstration. Representatives for Judge Isham and the Tenth Circuit Court have not publicly commented on the letter’s release or the protest.

The 50501 Movement, which organized the event, describes itself as a nonpartisan group focused on civic engagement and community response to issues affecting local governance and civil rights. The group says it plans to continue raising awareness about judicial independence and the role of local courts.

As the situation continues to unfold, Isham's letter and the public response to it have placed Sawyer County at the center of a national conversation about the intersection of immigration enforcement, the judiciary, and constitutional protections.