MILWAUKEE (AP) — The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) arrested Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Hannah Dugan, who is accused of aiding a man in evading U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) authorities. This incident signifies a deepening confrontation between local authorities and the Trump administration over immigration enforcement policies.
Judge Dugan allegedly facilitated the escape of Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, 30, during his court hearing for three counts of misdemeanor domestic battery. According to reports, she escorted Flores-Ruiz and his attorney through a jury door in her courtroom after being alerted to the presence of ICE officials. This maneuver is particularly notable as the jury door is meant to be used exclusively by jurors, court staff, and in-custody defendants.
The confrontation began when Dugan's clerk informed her of the ICE agents present in the courthouse. Witnesses described Dugan as “visibly angry” about the situation, labeling it “absurd” before she retreated to her chambers. The FBI affidavit suggests that she later initiated a contentious exchange with the arrest team before leading them away from her courtroom, despite being aware of the warrant for Flores-Ruiz's arrest. After instructing the team to meet with the chief judge, Dugan returned to her courtroom and directed Flores-Ruiz and his lawyer through the jury door, which triggered further investigations.
Dugan was arrested on the courthouse grounds on Friday morning and briefly appeared in federal court later that day. She has been charged with “concealing an individual to prevent his discovery and arrest” and obstructing or impeding a legal proceeding. Following her arrest, attorney Craig Mastantuono stated that Dugan “wholeheartedly regrets and protests her arrest,” claiming it was not in the interest of public safety.
The incident has generated significant political backlash, with Democratic Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers criticizing the Trump administration for using "dangerous rhetoric" against the judiciary. Court documents reveal Dugan had served on the Milwaukee County court since her election in 2016 and had previously worked with organizations like Legal Action of Wisconsin. This background underscores her commitment to due process, as discussed by supporters during protests that followed her arrest.
This situation parallels a previous case during the Trump administration, wherein a Massachusetts judge faced charges for allegedly helping a defendant evade ICE agents. Many legal professionals regard that case as politically motivated, raising concerns about the implications of federal interference in the judiciary.
In responding to the incident, Attorney General Pam Bondi emphasized that no one, regardless of their position, is above the law. She pointed out that victims were present in the courtroom when Dugan allegedly helped Flores-Ruiz escape immigration arrest, amplifying concerns regarding the integrity of the judicial process.
Senator Tammy Baldwin, a Democrat from Wisconsin, condemned Dugan's arrest, describing it as a "gravely serious and drastic move" that threatens the separation of powers between the executive and judicial branches of government. Local advocates have argued that the presence of federal agents in courthouses could intimidate individuals who need to access the justice system.
Flores-Ruiz, who had re-entered the U.S. after being deported in 2013, now faces potential jail time and fines if convicted of the charges against him. Current laws and directives from the Justice Department signal a crackdown on local officials who impede federal immigration efforts, which has created a contentious atmosphere concerning immigration enforcement and judicial independence.
Judge Dugan's case serves as a potent example of the ongoing friction between state or local authorities and federal immigration policies, reflecting a broader national debate over immigration enforcement and the role of the judiciary in safeguarding legal rights.
