MADISON, Wis. — Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan is on trial in federal court, accused of obstruction and concealment after directing an immigrant to evade federal agents at the courthouse earlier this year. The trial began Monday as Assistant U.S. Attorney Keith Alexander addressed the jury, detailing how Judge Dugan instructed federal immigration agents to consult the chief judge before making an arrest, effectively allowing the immigrant to slip away through a private door.
The case revolves around an incident in April involving Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, who appeared for a state court hearing when immigration agents sought to detain him. Prosecutors allege that Judge Dugan led Flores-Ruiz out a back exit that connected to a public hallway, hindering the agents’ efforts. Alexander emphasized that the agents were surprised by a judge’s actions that interfered with their official duties, and he quoted Dugan telling her court reporter she would “take the heat” for assisting Flores-Ruiz.
The trial is expected to last several days with about two dozen witnesses scheduled to testify. If convicted on the two counts, Dugan could face up to six years in prison.
In her defense, attorney Steven Biskupic argued that Dugan had no intention to obstruct law enforcement and that she adhered to protocol by directing agents to consult the chief judge. Biskupic pointed out that other agents refrained from arresting Flores-Ruiz immediately after he exited the courtroom and instead pursued him outside the building.
Flores-Ruiz was later arrested following a foot chase and has since been deported after pleading no contest to a local battery charge and receiving a sentence of time served.
Ahead of the trial, U.S. District Judge Lynn Adelman denied a motion to dismiss the charges, stating that Dugan did not enjoy clear immunity. The case has drawn political attention, with critics describing Dugan as an “activist judge” and supporters warning that the prosecution is politically motivated amidst the Trump administration’s immigration policies. Dugan and her family have reported receiving threatening materials at their homes since the incident.
Republican Representative Tom Tiffany, a strong supporter of former President Trump and candidate for Wisconsin governor, recently publicly urged for Dugan to be imprisoned.
This trial highlights the tensions between judicial independence and federal immigration enforcement amid a politically charged environment.
