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MILWAUKEE, Wis. — Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan stands trial on charges of obstruction and concealment stemming from an incident this spring when she allegedly aided an immigrant evading federal agents. The case, unfolding in federal court in Milwaukee, centers on events from April involving Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, 31, who appeared at the county courthouse for a state criminal hearing.
Prosecutors say Judge Dugan directed Flores-Ruiz to exit through a private back door after instructing immigration officials to consult with the chief judge before making any arrests at the courthouse. Assistant U.S. Attorney Keith Alexander told jurors that Dugan knowingly interfered with the agents by dividing their team and hampering their efforts. According to the prosecutor, Dugan told her court reporter she was prepared to “take the heat” for helping Flores-Ruiz avoid capture.
The defense argues that Dugan was simply following courthouse policy when she referred federal agents to Chief Judge Carl Ashley’s office. Attorney Steven Biskupic emphasized that agents who remained in the hallway chose not to detain Flores-Ruiz as he left through the back door, instead pursuing him outside the building where he was apprehended after a foot chase.
If convicted on both counts, Judge Dugan could face up to six years in prison. The trial is expected to continue through Thursday with multiple witnesses scheduled.
Prior to trial, a U.S. District Judge rejected a request to dismiss charges, affirming that Dugan does not hold absolute immunity in this case. The matter has drawn political attention, with critics accusing the Trump administration of targeting Dugan to intimidate judicial opposition to immigration enforcement policies. Following the incident, Dugan reported receiving threatening flyers at her home. Republican gubernatorial candidate Tom Tiffany publicly called for her imprisonment.
Flores-Ruiz was deported last November after pleading no contest in the local battery case and receiving time served.
This trial marks a rare and notable legal proceeding involving a sitting judge accused of obstructing federal immigration actions.
