MILWAUKEE, Wis. — Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan is currently on trial in federal court, accused of obstructing a federal immigration arrest during a hearing this past spring. Prosecutors allege the judge directed an immigrant, Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, to escape through a private door to avoid federal agents attempting to detain him.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Keith Alexander opened the case by telling jurors that Dugan, aware of the potential consequences, said she would “take the heat” for assisting Flores-Ruiz. The government claims that she hindered the agents’ arrest efforts by instructing them to consult with the court’s chief judge before proceeding with detentions inside the courthouse.
According to prosecutors, the incident unfolded when Flores-Ruiz appeared for a state court hearing, and Dugan led him out a back door leading to a public hallway. Agents who were split up by the judge’s interference missed the chance to apprehend him inside the courthouse. Flores-Ruiz was later arrested outside after a brief foot pursuit.
The federal case, which could result in up to six years imprisonment if Dugan is found guilty on obstruction and concealment charges, features about two dozen prospective witnesses. The defense argues that Dugan acted within courthouse protocol by directing agents to the chief judge’s office and maintains she had no intention to obstruct justice.
Dugan’s attorney, Steven Biskupic, asserted that the other agents chose not to arrest Flores-Ruiz immediately after he exited the building, and that critics are unfairly blaming the judge. The case has also drawn attention for its political overtones amid ongoing debate over immigration enforcement policies.
Dugan has reported receiving threatening flyers at her home since the spring incident, and some political figures have sharply criticized her actions. The trial continues as the court hears testimony and evaluates the complex intersection of judicial authority and federal immigration enforcement.
