In a remarkable federal trial unfolding in Milwaukee, a Wisconsin judge is accused of obstructing justice by assisting an immigrant to evade federal agents. Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan stands charged with obstruction and concealment related to an incident this spring amid former President Donald Trump’s immigration enforcement efforts.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Keith Alexander told the jury that Judge Dugan knowingly helped Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, 31, when he appeared for a state court hearing in April. Prosecutors contend that instead of allowing the federal agents to arrest Flores-Ruiz in the courthouse, Dugan directed him through a private door leading to a public corridor, instructing immigration officials to consult the chief judge about courthouse arrests.
Alexander remarked on the unexpected nature of a judge undermining an arrest operation, highlighting that Dugan informed her court reporter she was prepared to “take the heat” for her actions. The trial is expected to continue through the week with around twenty witnesses scheduled to testify. Should she be found guilty on both counts, Dugan faces up to six years in prison.
In defense, attorney Steven Biskupic argued that Dugan did not intend to obstruct the agents but was following proper procedure by directing them to Chief Judge Carl Ashley’s office. He emphasized that agents present in the hallway refrained from arresting Flores-Ruiz immediately and instead pursued him outside, where he was eventually apprehended after a foot chase.
Following his arrest, Flores-Ruiz was deported after pleading no contest to a local battery charge and receiving a sentence of time served. Prior to the trial, a federal judge denied a motion to dismiss the charges against Dugan, citing the absence of clear immunity for her actions.
The case has become politically charged, with some Democrats accusing the Trump administration of using the prosecution to intimidate judges opposing immigration detentions. Meanwhile, Dugan and her family reported receiving threatening flyers earlier this year, and political figures aligned with former President Trump have publicly criticized the judge. The trial continues to draw attention as it examines the balance between judicial duties and federal immigration enforcement.
