In Milwaukee, the trial of Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan commenced Monday in federal court, spotlighting allegations that the judge obstructed immigration agents during a spring arrest attempt. Prosecutors claim that Judge Dugan deliberately directed an immigrant, Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, to exit through a private door while federal agents sought to detain him at the courthouse.
According to opening statements by the prosecutor, Assistant U.S. Attorney Keith Alexander, Judge Dugan showed willingness to face consequences by telling her court reporter she would “take the heat” for helping Flores-Ruiz evade immediate arrest. The incident occurred in April when Flores-Ruiz appeared at the courthouse for a state crime hearing. The judge reportedly instructed immigration officials to consult the chief judge before moving forward with the arrest, an action said to have disrupted federal agents’ operations.
The defense, led by attorney Steven Biskupic, contended that Dugan acted in accordance with courthouse protocols by directing agents to Chief Judge Carl Ashley’s office. Biskupic argued that federal agents retained the option to arrest Flores-Ruiz but elected not to do so once he emerged via the door Dugan opened, instead pursuing him outside the courthouse.
Flores-Ruiz was eventually apprehended following a foot chase and subsequently deported after pleading no contest to a battery charge and receiving time served. The trial is expected to feature approximately two dozen witnesses and could continue through the week. If convicted on charges of obstruction and concealment, Judge Dugan could face up to six years in prison.
The case has drawn significant attention amid political debates over immigration enforcement policies. Prior to the trial, U.S. District Judge Lynn Adelman declined to dismiss the charges, underscoring the legal uncertainties surrounding judicial immunity in such contexts. The judge has also reported receiving threatening materials at her home, while political figures have publicly criticized her actions.
This trial highlights ongoing tensions between federal immigration authorities and local judicial officials in Wisconsin as the state prepares for broader political contests in the coming year.
