Wisconsin Judge Arrested for Allegedly Shielding Undocumented Immigrant from ICE in Courthouse Drama

Federal authorities arrested Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Hannah Dugan on Friday after she was accused of shielding an undocumented immigrant from being arrested by ICE inside her courthouse. According to federal law enforcement, Judge Dugan allegedly hid the individual in her jury room, stalling ICE agents who were prepared to detain him following a scheduled court appearance on April 18.

Reports from law enforcement suggest that when agents from ICE, FBI, CBP, and DEA showed up to make the arrest, Judge Dugan instructed them to go to the chief judge’s office. Meanwhile, the undocumented defendant’s hearing wrapped up and he quickly exited the building, evading capture entirely. If you’re picturing a scene out of a legal thriller, you’re not alone.

Investigators say Judge Dugan’s actions were intentional, and that she willfully redirected officers to buy time for the individual to escape. She has since been charged with obstruction of an official proceeding and is expected to make her first appearance in federal court as soon as Friday in Milwaukee.

Earlier this week, Judge Dugan disputed reports that she helped the immigrant evade ICE, insisting that "nearly every fact regarding the 'tips' in your email is inaccurate," according to a statement she emailed to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. So far, her office hasn’t offered any further public comment.

This courthouse controversy comes on the heels of other recent cases involving judges and alleged assistance to undocumented individuals, including a New Mexico judge and his wife arrested for allegedly harboring a suspected gang member.

State Representative Bob Donovan, a Republican, called the accusations against Judge Dugan the most irresponsible act he’s seen by a judicial officer if the allegations are true. He urged the FBI to pursue the investigation thoroughly and prosecute if warranted.

Judge Dugan has a history of working with legal aid and charitable organizations, was elected to the bench in 2016, and oversees misdemeanor cases. But now, instead of presiding from the bench, she’ll be the one answering tough questions in federal court. This is one case where the gavel might feel a bit heavier than usual.