Milwaukee Judge Faces 6 Years for Allegedly Aiding Immigrant’s ICE Evasion

Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Hannah Dugan now faces up to six years in prison after a federal grand jury indicted her on charges of obstruction of justice and concealing a person from arrest. The allegations stem from an April incident where Dugan allegedly assisted Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, an undocumented Mexican national facing misdemeanor battery charges, in evading ICE officers. According to the indictment, Dugan misled federal agents by insisting they needed a warrant to enter her courtroom and then escorted Flores-Ruiz out a side door to avoid apprehension.

The case has ignited a firestorm, particularly as it dovetails with the Trump administration’s aggressive immigration enforcement policies. Dugan’s actions have drawn sharp criticism from officials like Attorney General Pam Bondi and DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, who insist that no one, not even a judge, is above the law. Noem emphasized accountability, stating, “Nobody can facilitate breaking the law,” in a recent interview.

Dugan, however, is mounting a robust defense, backed by legal heavyweights including former Bush-era Solicitor General Paul Clemente and former U.S. Attorney Steve Biskupic. Her team asserts her commitment to due process and maintains her innocence, with a not guilty plea expected at her upcoming court appearance on Thursday. The involvement of high-profile attorneys signals a fierce legal battle ahead, one that could set precedents for judicial conduct in immigration-related cases.

This case isn’t just about one judge’s decision—it’s a flashpoint in the broader debate over immigration enforcement and judicial authority. As tensions rise, the outcome could ripple through courtrooms and policy discussions nationwide.