On May 13, 2025, a federal grand jury indicted Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan on charges of obstructing justice and concealing a person from arrest.
The indictment stems from an incident on April 18, where Judge Dugan is accused of assisting Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, an undocumented immigrant, in avoiding arrest by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents at the Milwaukee County Courthouse.
According to court documents, Flores-Ruiz, previously deported in 2013, reentered the U.S. illegally and was facing misdemeanor domestic abuse charges. During his court appearance, Judge Dugan allegedly learned of ICE agents’ presence in the courthouse and escorted Flores-Ruiz and his attorney through a back exit reserved for court personnel, bypassing the agents. Flores-Ruiz was later apprehended outside the courthouse after a brief foot chase.
Judge Dugan’s defense team maintains her innocence, stating she looks forward to being vindicated in court. The Wisconsin Supreme Court has temporarily suspended her from the bench pending the outcome of the case. If convicted, she faces up to six years in prison.
This case has sparked political debate, with some viewing it as an overreach of federal authority and others emphasizing the importance of upholding immigration laws. It also draws parallels to a similar case involving a Massachusetts judge, which was eventually dismissed.
Judge Dugan is scheduled to enter a plea later this week.
