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MILWAUKEE, Wis. — The trial of Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan opened on Monday, focusing on allegations that she obstructed a federal immigration arrest in her courthouse earlier this year. Assistant U.S. Attorney Keith Alexander told jurors that Judge Dugan admitted she would “take the heat” for directing an immigrant defendant to exit through a private door while federal agents were seeking to detain him.
Dugan is charged with obstruction and concealment connected to an incident in April during the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement efforts. The case involves Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, who appeared at the courthouse for a hearing on a state criminal matter. Prosecutors say Judge Dugan intentionally led Flores-Ruiz through a back exit into a public hallway after instructing immigration authorities to consult with the chief judge before making an arrest within the courthouse.
Alexander emphasized to the jury that federal agents did not anticipate resistance from a judge sworn to uphold the law and that Dugan’s actions disrupted their operation. The government is presenting numerous witnesses, with the case expected to last several days. If convicted on both counts, Dugan could face up to six years in prison.
In response, defense lawyer Steven Biskupic argued that the judge did not intend to hinder law enforcement and was adhering to courthouse protocol by directing agents to the chief judge’s office. He also noted that the agents opted not to detain Flores-Ruiz inside the building after he exited through the door, leading to a subsequent foot chase and arrest outside the courthouse.
Flores-Ruiz was later deported after pleading no contest to related state charges. A federal judge declined to dismiss the case against Dugan prior to trial, ruling there is no clear immunity for her actions. The incident has drawn significant political attention, with some critics casting Dugan as an activist judge opposing immigration enforcement and others accusing the administration of targeting her as an example. The judge and her family have reported receiving threatening materials at their homes amid the controversy.
The trial represents a rare and high-profile legal challenge involving a sitting judge accused of interfering with federal immigration authorities. Observers are closely watching the proceedings and the broader implications for judicial independence and immigration policy enforcement.
