​​Wisconsin Judge Arrested for Allegedly Aiding Undocumented Immigrant's Escape

On April 25, 2025, Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Hannah Dugan was arrested by FBI agents on charges of obstruction of justice and concealing a fugitive. The arrest stems from an incident on 18 April 2025, where Judge Dugan allegedly assisted Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, an undocumented Mexican immigrant facing multiple criminal charges, in evading arrest by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents at the Milwaukee County Courthouse. 

According to the criminal complaint, Flores-Ruiz was present at the courthouse for a pre-trial conference related to charges of battery and domestic abuse. ICE agents were positioned to detain him upon his exit. However, Judge Dugan is accused of directing the agents away and facilitating Flores-Ruiz's departure through a non-public exit, allowing him to temporarily evade capture. He was later apprehended after a brief foot chase. ​

The Department of Homeland Security emphasized the severity of Flores-Ruiz's alleged offenses, which include strangulation, suffocation, and battery. Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin condemned Judge Dugan's actions, stating that they represent a "shocking and shameful" attempt to obstruct justice. ​

U.S. Department of Homeland Security

Judge Dugan, 65, has served on the Milwaukee County Circuit Court since 2016 and has a background in legal aid and nonprofit leadership. She has denied the allegations and is scheduled for arraignment on 15 May 2025 . If convicted, she could face up to 10 years in prison. ​

The arrest has sparked significant political debate. Senator Bernie Sanders criticized the move as an example of Trump's "unchecked power" and a step toward authoritarianism. Representative Gwen Moore expressed concern over the implications for judicial independence. ​

This case follows a similar incident in 2018 involving Massachusetts Judge Shelley M. Richmond Joseph, who was charged with aiding an undocumented immigrant's escape from ICE agents. Those charges were later dropped in 2022. ​

As the legal proceedings against Judge Dugan unfold, the case continues to fuel discussions on the balance between immigration enforcement and judicial discretion.