By Mary Campbell | Editorial credit: Christopher Penler / shutterstock.com

Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Hannah Dugan has been federally indicted on charges of obstruction and concealing an individual to prevent arrest, following allegations that she aided an undocumented immigrant in evading U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. The indictment stems from an incident on April 18, 2025, when Dugan allegedly assisted Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, a 30-year-old Mexican national facing domestic abuse charges, in avoiding arrest by ICE agents who were waiting outside her courtroom. 

According to the criminal complaint, after learning of the agents’ presence, Dugan directed Flores-Ruiz and his attorney to exit through a restricted jury door, circumventing the agents’ attempts to detain him. Flores-Ruiz, who had been previously deported in 2013, was later apprehended by ICE agents outside the courthouse after a brief foot chase. 

Dugan’s actions have sparked significant political debate. Supporters argue that she was upholding judicial independence and protecting due process, while critics contend that her interference with federal immigration enforcement undermines the rule of law. The Wisconsin Supreme Court has temporarily suspended Dugan from her judicial duties pending the outcome of her legal proceedings. 

Dugan is scheduled for a court appearance on May 15, 2025, where she is expected to enter a plea. Her legal team, which includes prominent attorneys Steven M. Biskupic and Paul Clement, maintains her innocence and plans to contest the charges in court.

The case highlights the ongoing tensions between state judicial authority and federal immigration enforcement, reflecting broader national debates over the balance of powers and the enforcement of immigration laws.