A federal trial began Monday for Milwaukee County judge Hannah Dugan, who is accused of assisting a man in evading arrest by immigration authorities at the county courthouse last April. Dugan was indicted by a grand jury the following month and faces one felony count of obstructing a proceeding and a misdemeanor count of concealing an individual to prevent an arrest. She has pleaded not guilty and could face up to six years in prison if convicted.
Prosecutors allege that ICE agents sought to arrest Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, a Mexican national in the U.S. unlawfully, while he was scheduled to appear before Dugan on misdemeanor domestic assault charges. According to court documents, Dugan falsely told ICE agents they needed a judicial warrant and directed them to the chief judge’s office. She allegedly discussed Flores-Ruiz’s case off the record and instructed him and his attorney to exit the courtroom through a non-public door, suggesting the attorney could attend the next hearing via Zoom. Flores-Ruiz was later spotted in a public hallway by ICE agents, who ultimately chased and arrested him; he has since been deported.
Dugan’s defense maintains she acted within court policy, which was in flux regarding immigration enforcement. Her attorneys contend she followed draft protocols requiring her to refer ICE agents to a supervisor. They argue her actions were intended to reduce confrontation in the courtroom rather than obstruct justice. Legal experts note that the case largely hinges on Dugan’s intent, including whether she sought to impede ICE or simply manage her courtroom in accordance with perceived policy.
The case takes place within a broader political context. Former legal authorities point out that, historically, courthouses were largely off-limits to federal authorities for arrests, a practice disrupted during the Trump administration’s heightened immigration enforcement. The administration, including top officials and President Trump, praised the prosecution, calling Dugan an “activist judge.” Dugan has retained a high-profile defense team, including former Republican solicitor general Paul Clement, signaling preparation for potential appeals.
Federal agents have previously arrested judges under similar circumstances. In 2018, a Massachusetts judge faced federal charges for allegedly allowing someone to leave a courthouse through a back door to evade ICE. Those felony charges were later dropped, with the matter referred to a judicial conduct commission.