A federal jury in Wisconsin convicted Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan of felony obstruction for helping a defendant evade Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents during a courthouse appearance. The incident occurred on April 18, when Dugan directed the man to exit through a nonpublic door amid an impending arrest. Dugan faces up to five years in prison, though her sentencing judge is known for leniency.
On April 18, six members of an ICE task force arrived at the Milwaukee County Courthouse to arrest Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, a Mexican national previously deported in 2013, following his court appearance on charges of battery, domestic abuse, and infliction of physical pain or injury. The agents agreed to wait until after the hearing, but Judge Hannah Dugan, upon learning of their presence, became visibly angry and described the situation as "absurd," according to witness interviews.
Charging documents detail that Dugan first directed the ICE team to the chief judge's chambers. She then returned to her courtroom and instructed Flores-Ruiz to leave through the "jury door" into a nonpublic area of the courthouse. Agents later tracked and arrested him outside after a foot chase.
Prosecutors charged Dugan with felony obstruction and misdemeanor concealing a wanted person. On Thursday, December 19, 2025, a jury found her guilty of the felony but not guilty of the misdemeanor. The Wisconsin Supreme Court had suspended her from the bench after her arrest earlier in the year.
Interim U.S. Attorney Brad Schimel emphasized accountability, stating, "We weren’t trying to make an example out of anyone. This was necessary to hold Judge Dugan accountable because of the actions she took." He added, "There’s not a political aspect to it," framing the case as concerning "a single day in a public courthouse."
The Trump administration hailed the verdict. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche said, "Former Wisconsin state judge Hannah Dugan betrayed her oath... Today, a federal jury of her peers found her guilty and sent a clear message: Nobody is above the law. This Department will not tolerate obstruction."
Dugan's legal team plans to appeal the conviction. U.S. District Judge Lynn Adelman, who ruled against judicial immunity for Dugan, is expected to sentence her leniently, potentially with probation rather than prison, given her lack of criminal record.
The case has sparked debate over judicial protections amid federal immigration enforcement. Critics highlight inconsistencies with presidential immunity granted by the Supreme Court in Trump v. United States, while supporters view it as upholding law and order in courthouses.
