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In a notable trial unfolding in Milwaukee, Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan is accused of obstruction after allegedly assisting an immigrant in evading federal immigration agents earlier this year. The case began Monday with opening statements in the federal courthouse.
Prosecutors say that in April, when Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, 31, appeared for a state court hearing, Judge Dugan directed him through a private courtroom door to a public corridor, thereby disrupting efforts of federal agents attempting to apprehend him. Prosecutor Assistant U.S. Attorney Keith Alexander told jurors that Dugan instructed her court reporter that she was prepared to “take the heat” for her intervention.
Authorities contend that Dugan’s actions divided the arrest team and impeded their lawful operations, creating an unusual situation with a judge actively interfering in enforcement. If convicted on charges of obstruction and concealment, she could face up to six years in prison.
During opening remarks, defense attorney Steven Biskupic argued that Dugan acted in compliance with courthouse policy by directing the agents to consult with the chief judge about arrest procedures. He stressed that agents present ultimately chose not to arrest Flores-Ruiz inside the courthouse and followed him outside, where he was later captured after a foot pursuit. Biskupic maintained that the judge had no intent to obstruct justice, suggesting the scrutiny she now faces is misplaced.
Flores-Ruiz subsequently was deported in November after pleading no contest in the underlying local case. Meanwhile, U.S. District Judge Lynn Adelman declined to dismiss the charges, noting no established judicial immunity applied. The case has drawn political attention amid claims that the federal government seeks to set an example to deter resistance to immigration arrests. Dugan has reported receiving threatening flyers directed at her and her family since the spring, while critics from opposing political camps have publicly called for severe punishment.
The trial is expected to continue through the week with numerous witnesses lined up to testify as the court examines the legal and procedural questions surrounding a judge’s role vis-à-vis federal immigration enforcement inside a state courthouse.
