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MILWAUKEE, Wis. — Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan is on trial in federal court, accused of obstructing justice by helping an immigrant evade arrest during President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown earlier this year. The trial began Monday, focusing on an incident in April when Eduardo Flores-Ruiz appeared for a state hearing.
Prosecutors allege Judge Dugan directed Flores-Ruiz to exit through a private door after instructing immigration agents to consult the chief judge before proceeding with an arrest inside the courthouse. Assistant U.S. Attorney Keith Alexander told jurors that Dugan knowingly disrupted the agents’ operation, even stating she would “take the heat” for her actions. He emphasized that agents were surprised a judge would hinder their lawful duties.
The government’s case is expected to involve around two dozen witnesses and continue through the week. If convicted on counts of obstruction and concealment, Dugan faces up to six years in prison.
In her defense, attorney Steven Biskupic argued that the judge was following courthouse protocol by directing the federal agents to Chief Judge Carl Ashley’s office. Biskupic maintained that other agents chose not to make an immediate arrest as Flores-Ruiz left the courthouse and instead pursued him outside, where he was ultimately apprehended after a foot chase.
Flores-Ruiz later pleaded no contest in a local case and was deported. Prior to trial, the presiding judge denied a motion to dismiss charges against Dugan, ruling there is no established immunity for her conduct. The case has drawn political attention, with Democrats claiming the prosecution is aimed at discouraging judicial resistance to immigration enforcement. Dugan has reportedly received threatening messages at her residence since the incident. Meanwhile, some public figures have called for harsh penalties against her.
The trial continues to unfold, underscoring tensions around immigration policy enforcement within Wisconsin’s judicial system.
