MILWAUKEE (AP) — Prosecutors worked Tuesday to depict Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan as a judge who obstructed federal officers in their duties, allegedly causing danger during an immigration arrest.
Day two of the trial centered on Dugan's conduct in court, where she faces charges of obstruction and concealment for an incident in April. Prosecutors allege that Dugan, upon learning federal authorities were outside her courtroom to arrest Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, facilitated his escape by directing officers elsewhere and guiding Flores-Ruiz out through a private exit.
The unusual prosecution of a sitting judge comes amid heightened scrutiny under President Donald Trump's immigration enforcement policies, with supporters claiming the charges are politically motivated attempts to undermine judicial pushback.
FBI agent Phillip Jackling testified that Dugan was confrontational when addressing the arrest team in the courthouse, which he believed compromised the safety of the operation.
Dugan's defense attorneys argue that federal agents were negligent in their planning and could have taken action without her intervention. Prosecutors refute this by stating Dugan was aware of the gravity of her actions.
The trial is expected to conclude this week, with the potential for a significant sentence hanging over Judge Dugan, should she be found guilty.
