By Staff Writer | July 8, 2025
Milwaukee, WI — A federal magistrate judge has ruled that charges against Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Hannah Dugan for allegedly aiding an undocumented immigrant in evading arrest by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents can proceed. The ruling comes after Dugan’s defense team argued for the dismissal of the case, citing judicial immunity and constitutional separation of powers. Hindustan Times+21Newsmax+21ettalkshow.com+21Conservative Brief
In April 2025, Judge Dugan was arrested by FBI agents following an incident where she allegedly assisted Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, a Mexican national with a prior deportation record, in avoiding ICE agents stationed outside her courtroom. According to federal authorities, Dugan escorted Flores-Ruiz and his attorney through a restricted back door, allowing him to evade capture. Newsmax+10Trib 247+10The Guardian+10The Times+6The Guardian+6AP News+6
The charges against Dugan include obstruction of justice and concealing an individual to prevent their arrest. If convicted, she faces up to six years in prison. Newsmax+5CiberCuba+5ABC News+5The Guardian+1AP News+1
Dugan’s defense team maintains her innocence, asserting that her actions were within her judicial discretion and did not constitute criminal conduct. They have indicated plans to challenge the magistrate’s ruling and seek a dismissal of the charges. Conservative Brief+17The Guardian+17Law & Crime+17
The case has garnered national attention, raising questions about the scope of judicial immunity and the balance of power between state and federal authorities in immigration enforcement. The Wisconsin Supreme Court has suspended Dugan from the bench pending the outcome of the legal proceedings. ABC News+2The Guardian+2AP News+2
A trial date has not yet been set, but the case continues to unfold, with significant implications for the intersection of judicial authority and federal immigration policy.
