Judge ARRESTED – Federal Agents STRIKE!

A Wisconsin judge faces prison time after being arrested by the FBI and suspended from her duties for allegedly helping an illegal immigrant escape federal immigration authorities in her courthouse.

At a Glance

• Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan was temporarily suspended by the Wisconsin Supreme Court after being arrested by the FBI
• Dugan is accused of helping Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, a previously deported Mexican national, evade ICE custody
• Authorities claim Dugan escorted Flores-Ruiz through non-public areas of the courthouse, leading to a foot chase before his capture
• If convicted on obstruction charges, Dugan could face up to 15 years in prison
• The case highlights growing tensions between the judiciary and federal immigration enforcement under the Trump administration

Judge Suspended Following Serious Allegations

The Wisconsin Supreme Court took swift action against Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan following her arrest on federal obstruction charges. In a decisive ruling, the state’s highest court temporarily relieved Dugan of her judicial duties while her criminal case proceeds. The suspension is administrative rather than disciplinary, and Dugan will continue receiving her salary during this period. Court officials have arranged for a reserve judge to handle Dugan’s caseload while she faces serious allegations of interfering with federal immigration authorities.

FBI Director Kash Patel strongly condemned Dugan’s alleged actions, stating that her interference created unnecessary risk. Chief Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Carl Ashley announced that Dugan’s docket would be reassigned to ensure continuity of court operations. The suspension reflects the court’s concern about maintaining public confidence in Wisconsin’s judicial system while the criminal proceedings against Dugan move forward. Her arraignment is scheduled for May 15, when she will formally respond to the charges.

Details of the Courthouse Incident

According to federal authorities, the incident occurred when ICE agents arrived at Dugan’s courtroom to take custody of Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, a Mexican national who had previously been deported in 2013 and was wanted on three misdemeanor battery charges. When agents attempted to apprehend Flores-Ruiz, Dugan allegedly confronted them, initially demanding they leave before directing them to the Chief Judge’s office. While the agents were redirected, Dugan reportedly escorted Flores-Ruiz and his attorney through a non-public area of the courthouse.

“Thankfully our agents chased down the perp on foot and he’s been in custody since, but the Judge’s obstruction created increased danger to the public,” said FBI Director Kash Patel.

Federal agents eventually captured Flores-Ruiz after a foot chase outside the courthouse. He is currently being held in federal custody at the Ozaukee County Jail. An FBI affidavit indicates that Dugan appeared visibly upset when agents arrived and took deliberate steps to redirect them away from her courtroom. The complaint states plainly that “a foot chase ensued” when Flores-Ruiz attempted to flee from federal authorities after allegedly being helped by Judge Dugan.

Legal and Political Fallout

Dugan’s legal team has vigorously protested her arrest and the court’s decision to suspend her. Her attorney, Craig Mastantuono, stated that “Judge Dugan wholeheartedly regrets and protests her arrest. It was not made in the interest of public safety.” The defense team also expressed disappointment with the Wisconsin Supreme Court’s unilateral action to suspend her without a hearing. If convicted on obstruction charges, Dugan faces significant penalties that could include up to 15 years in prison.

“In the exercise of (the) constitutional authority and in order to uphold the public’s confidence in the courts of this state during the pendency of the criminal proceeding against Judge Dugan, we conclude, in our own motion, that it is in the public interest that she be temporarily relieved of her official duties,” stated the Wisconsin Supreme Court.

The case has sparked significant political division in Wisconsin. Republican lawmakers are considering formal removal proceedings against Dugan, while Democrats have criticized the practice of courthouse arrests by immigration officials. 

The case bears similarity to that of Massachusetts Judge Shelley Joseph, who faced comparable charges in 2019. Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers emphasized the principle of presumed innocence, while Republican Senator John Cornyn voiced support for strict enforcement of immigration laws.

National Immigration Enforcement Context

Dugan’s case unfolds against the backdrop of intensified immigration enforcement under the Trump administration. The incident represents part of a broader conflict between federal immigration authorities and some members of the judiciary over courthouse arrests and deportation policies. ICE operations in courthouses have proven controversial, with critics arguing they discourage immigrants from participating in the justice system and supporters maintaining they are necessary for public safety.

The arrest of a sitting judge on charges related to immigration enforcement highlights the heightened tensions between different branches of government over immigration policy. The outcome of Dugan’s case may establish important precedents for judicial conduct when faced with immigration enforcement actions in their courtrooms. As the legal proceedings continue, the case will likely remain a flashpoint in the national debate over immigration enforcement priorities and judicial independence.