Josh Weiner
On April 25, 2025, Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Hannah C. Dugan was arrested by the FBI on federal charges of obstruction of justice and concealing an individual to prevent arrest. The charges stem from an incident on April 18, when Dugan allegedly assisted Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, an undocumented immigrant facing domestic battery charges, in evading arrest by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents.
Alleged Incident
According to federal prosecutors, ICE agents arrived at the Milwaukee County Courthouse with an administrative warrant to detain Flores-Ruiz. Judge Dugan reportedly questioned the validity of the warrant, noting it was not signed by a judge, and directed the agents to consult with the court’s chief judge. During this time, she allegedly postponed Flores-Ruiz’s hearing and escorted him and his attorney through a non-public exit, allowing him to leave the building. Flores-Ruiz was subsequently apprehended by ICE agents outside the courthouse after a brief pursuit.
Legal and Political Repercussions
Judge Dugan was released pending a court appearance scheduled for May 15. Her arrest has intensified tensions between federal immigration authorities and local jurisdictions, particularly in so-called “sanctuary cities” that limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. Critics, including Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers and other Democratic lawmakers, have condemned the arrest as politically motivated and a threat to judicial independence.
This case mirrors a 2019 incident in Massachusetts, where a judge faced similar charges for allegedly helping an undocumented immigrant evade ICE agents. That case was eventually dismissed, but it set a precedent for the current administration’s approach to immigration enforcement and local judicial actions.
Background on Judge Dugan
Judge Hannah C. Dugan has served on the Milwaukee County Circuit Court since 2016, primarily overseeing misdemeanor cases. Before her judicial appointment, she worked extensively with legal aid organizations and served as the executive director of Catholic Charities of Southeastern Wisconsin. Her career has been marked by a commitment to social justice and advocacy for vulnerable populations.
The outcome of this case could have significant implications for the balance of power between federal immigration authorities and local judicial systems, as well as for the broader debate over immigration policy in the United States.
