In a twist that has shaken Wisconsin’s judicial halls, Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan now finds herself on the other side of the bench. A federal grand jury has indicted Dugan on charges of obstructing proceedings and concealing an individual from arrest, following allegations that she intervened to prevent immigration agents from detaining a man outside her courtroom.
The incident dates back to April 18, when authorities say Dugan enabled Eduardo Flores-Ruiz — an undocumented immigrant scheduled to appear before her — to exit through a jury door, bypassing federal agents waiting outside. A week later, on April 25, she was taken into custody.
Federal officials allege she interfered with immigration enforcement despite agents lacking a judicial warrant. Her arrest sparked controversy and debate over judicial discretion versus federal authority.
Dugan’s legal team fired back on Tuesday, insisting she is innocent and confident she’ll be cleared. “As she said after her unnecessary arrest, Judge Dugan asserts her innocence and looks forward to being vindicated in court,” said her attorney.
In the meantime, Wisconsin’s highest court has benched Dugan indefinitely, pending the outcome of the case — a rare and dramatic move in the state’s judicial landscape.
This case now stands as a flashpoint in the national clash over immigration enforcement and judicial autonomy.
