Wisconsin Judge Arrested for Alleged Immigration Obstruction

Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan was arrested by federal agents for allegedly obstructing justice in an immigration case, sparking a major public and political reaction.

In a shocking turn of events, Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan was arrested and charged with obstruction, following allegations that she attempted to assist an undocumented immigrant evade arrest. FBI Director Kash Patel announced the arrest, accusing Dugan of "intentionally misdirecting" agents from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) last week. "Thankfully, our agents chased down the perp on foot, and he's been in custody since, but the Judge's obstruction created increased danger to the public," Patel stated in a post on X social media.

Dugan’s attorney expressed that the judge "wholeheartedly regrets" her actions, asserting that they were not made with public safety in mind. Charged with obstruction and concealing an individual to avoid arrest, Dugan could face up to six years in prison if convicted. She has been released pending a future court hearing scheduled for May 15.

The controversy arose during an incident in Dugan's courtroom concerning Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, a Mexican national who attended a scheduled hearing after an immigration judge issued an arrest warrant against him for prior misdemeanor charges. A contingent of six federal agents identified themselves but were met with Dugan’s visible anger. According to an FBI affidavit, she argued with the agents and ultimately instructed them to present their case to the chief judge, while she secretly led Flores-Ruiz out the back door of the courthouse.

Despite Dugan's actions, some agents remained nearby and observed Flores-Ruiz during his attempted escape from the courthouse. He was apprehended moments later after a brief foot chase, having previously been deported from the U.S. in 2013.

The incident unfolded just a day after a former New Mexico judge was arrested for harboring an undocumented gang member. Attorney General Pam Bondi condemned such actions, declaring, "I think some of these judges think they are beyond and above the law, and they are not."

Political reactions to Dugan's arrest were polarized. Wisconsin's Senator Tammy Baldwin criticized the legal ramifications as drastic, emphasizing that no one is above the law in a democratic society. In contrast, Senator Ron Johnson advised cooperation with federal law enforcement efforts. Dugan, who has served as a judge since 2016 and was re-elected for a second term in 2022, faces severe legal consequences if convicted.