Immigrant Deported After Milwaukee Judge's Controversial Actions

Sat Nov 15 2025 02:51:10 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, who was assisted by Judge Hannah Dugan to evade arrest, has been deported following a guilty plea for illegally reentering the United States.

Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, an immigrant who had been in the U.S. illegally, was deported after being aided by Milwaukee County Judge Hannah Dugan in evading federal authorities. After pleading guilty to illegal reentry, he received a time-served sentence and promised not to contest his deportation. The events surrounding this case have raised significant concerns regarding judicial conduct in immigration matters.

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — An immigrant, Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, has been deported after his controversial dealings with a Milwaukee judge sparked significant media coverage. Flores-Ruiz was apprehended thanks to actions by Judge Hannah Dugan, who allegedly facilitated his escape from federal agents intending to arrest him.

The Department of Homeland Security confirmed his deportation via a tweet, though it did not specify the destination to which he was sent. Flores-Ruiz, 31, had pleaded guilty to charges of illegally reentering the country and, per the agreement with prosecutors, was sentenced to time served on November 6.

Flores-Ruiz originally immigrated to the U.S. from Mexico in 2013 but was quickly deported. He returned again and lived in Milwaukee for nearly 12 years, working in local restaurants, until he was charged with misdemeanor battery earlier this year following an altercation with a roommate. His illegal status was revealed when his fingerprints were submitted to federal databases after his arrest.

On April 18, federal agents were set to arrest him during a court hearing, but Judge Dugan reportedly led Flores-Ruiz out of her courtroom through a private door before agents could apprehend him. This led to a high chase through city streets before he could finally be captured.

In May, Judge Dugan was indicted on counts of obstruction of justice and concealment of an individual to prevent arrest, with a trial scheduled to begin on December 15. If found guilty, she faces a potential six-year prison sentence.

The Department of Homeland Security condemned Dugan’s actions as elevating ‘activist judging’ to alarming levels. Dugan has denied any wrongdoing and maintains the right to administer her courtroom as she sees fit. Attorney responses echo her stance, emphasizing that court proceedings should be free from immigration enforcement.

While Flores-Ruiz spent seven months in jail, he accepted a plea deal, agreeing not to contest his deportation, which led to his eventual conviction.