Wisconsin Judge Indicted for Allegedly Helping Undocumented Immigrant Evade ICE Arrest

Wisconsin Judge Pleads Not Guilty After ICE Incident, Faces Federal Charges

In a surprising turn of events, Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Hannah Dugan pleaded not guilty Thursday to federal charges accusing her of helping an undocumented immigrant evade arrest by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The indictment, handed down just days earlier, has sparked significant controversy — and drew about 200 protesters outside the federal courthouse in Milwaukee during her court appearance.

What’s the Case About?

The whole situation dates back to April, when immigration officers attempted to detain Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, an undocumented Mexican national, in Judge Dugan’s courtroom. Flores-Ruiz was facing misdemeanor battery charges at the time. According to the federal complaint, Judge Dugan told ICE agents they needed a warrant to enter the courtroom and then escorted Flores-Ruiz out through a side door, apparently to help him avoid arrest.

This move has landed the judge in hot water. The indictment charges Dugan with concealing a person from arrest and obstruction of justice. The complaint goes further, saying Flores-Ruiz only got caught after a foot chase by federal agents outside the courthouse. If convicted on both counts, Dugan could be facing up to six years behind bars and fines reaching $350,000.

The Judge’s Defense: Judicial Immunity and Innocence

Judge Dugan’s legal team fired back quickly, asserting her innocence and emphasizing her commitment to the law and due process throughout her career. They argue she’s entitled to judicial immunity — a legal protection that shields judges from prosecution for actions taken in their official capacity.

Her attorneys filed a motion to dismiss the charges, calling the prosecution “baseless” and saying the government has “no basis in law” to pursue the case. According to the motion, judicial immunity isn’t just a defense to be debated later — it’s an “absolute bar” that should prevent prosecution from the outset.

The defense team also warned that if the court doesn’t dismiss the indictment immediately, they will raise other motions and seek relief as the case progresses.

The Day of the Incident: Tensions Ran High

Witnesses cited in the criminal complaint described the judge as “visibly upset” and having a “confrontational, angry demeanor” during the episode on April 18. The details suggest a tense courtroom, with emotions running high amid the confrontation between Judge Dugan and federal agents.

Just a week after the incident, the FBI arrested Dugan at the courthouse. However, she was released shortly thereafter, and this week she appeared in federal court to enter her plea.

Community Reaction and Protest

Outside the courthouse, the case ignited passionate responses. Roughly 200 protesters gathered, many holding signs and chanting slogans in support of Judge Dugan, highlighting the broader debate around immigration enforcement and judicial roles in such matters.

For some, Judge Dugan’s actions represented a stance against what they see as overreach by ICE in courtrooms. For others, the judge’s conduct was seen as an unlawful obstruction of justice. The protest underscored how polarized and emotional immigration issues remain in many American communities.

What Happens Next?

The court has set a trial date for July 21. Between now and then, the legal battle will undoubtedly unfold with motions, hearings, and intense media scrutiny. Legal experts will be watching closely because this case raises important questions about judicial powers, the limits of ICE’s authority, and the intersection of immigration enforcement with the justice system.

Breaking Down the Charges and Legal Issues:

• Concealing a Person from Arrest: The indictment claims Judge Dugan deliberately hid Flores-Ruiz to prevent his lawful arrest by federal agents.

• Obstruction of Justice: By allegedly misleading ICE officers about needing a warrant and then helping Flores-Ruiz escape, she’s accused of interfering with federal law enforcement.

Why Does Judicial Immunity Matter Here?

Judicial immunity protects judges when they act within their official duties, shielding them from lawsuits or criminal charges for decisions made on the bench. But this case tests the boundaries of that protection.

Is Judge Dugan’s alleged action considered part of her official role? Or did she cross a line by obstructing federal agents?

The defense argues the former, insisting her conduct was within her judicial discretion and that prosecuting her violates fundamental legal principles. The prosecution, however, believes she overstepped and committed a crime.

How Unusual Is This?

It’s rare for a sitting judge to be indicted on federal criminal charges related to courtroom conduct. This case is drawing national attention precisely because it involves a judge, immigration enforcement, and alleged courtroom interference all rolled into one.

The high-profile nature of the case also fuels debates about immigration policy and the appropriate limits of judicial authority.

The Foot Chase

One of the more dramatic details from the complaint is the foot chase that ended with Flores-Ruiz’s arrest after he slipped out of the courtroom. That image of a fugitive running through courthouse corridors adds an almost cinematic twist to the legal drama unfolding.

What About Flores-Ruiz?

Eduardo Flores-Ruiz is at the center of this controversy. An undocumented immigrant from Mexico, he was already facing misdemeanor charges unrelated to immigration. His case highlights how immigration enforcement can intersect with local criminal cases in complex ways.

What’s at Stake?

If the judge is convicted, the consequences could be severe—not only for her personally but also for judicial independence. Critics warn that prosecuting judges for courtroom decisions could chill their ability to act independently or protect defendants’ rights.

Supporters of the indictment argue that no one is above the law, not even judges, especially if they intentionally obstruct justice.

In Summary

• Milwaukee County Judge Hannah Dugan pleaded not guilty to federal charges.

• She’s accused of helping an undocumented immigrant evade ICE arrest in her courtroom.

• The indictment includes charges of concealing a person and obstruction of justice.

• Her defense claims judicial immunity protects her actions.

• About 200 protesters rallied outside the Milwaukee courthouse.

• Trial is set for July 21.

• The case raises important questions about judicial authority, immigration enforcement, and the rule of law.

This ongoing saga is a vivid reminder of the tensions playing out at the intersection of law, immigration, and justice in America today. Whether Judge Dugan will be vindicated or convicted remains to be seen, but the fallout from this case will surely ripple far beyond Milwaukee.