Judge Arrested for Allegedly Helping Immigrant Evade FBI, ICE

MILWAUKEE, WI (WSAU) – Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Hannah Dugan has been arrested by the FBI for allegedly obstructing an immigration arrest. FBI Director Kash Patel stated that Judge Dugan helped undocumented immigrant Eduardo Flores Ruiz evade federal arrest.

According to Patel, Judge Dugan obstructed federal agents last week during their operation to arrest Flores Ruiz at the courthouse. “We believe Judge Dugan intentionally misdirected federal agents away from the subject to be arrested in her courthouse, allowing the subject — an illegal alien — to evade arrest,” Patel said. Despite the obstruction, Flores Ruiz was apprehended shortly afterward.

Sources have reported that the incident occurred last Friday morning. Dugan’s clerk was notified of the federal agents’ presence when they arrived at the courthouse to execute the arrest warrant. It is alleged that Dugan permitted Flores Ruiz to conceal himself in her jury room, which is not typically accessible to defendants.

Chief Judge Carl Ashley allowed federal agents entry into Dugan’s courtroom after receiving the warrant. This led to the discovery of Dugan’s alleged obstruction. In a subsequent email to fellow judges, Ashley acknowledged the agents’ actions were consistent with operational policies.

Judge Dugan responded, arguing that a warrant was not “presented in the hallway of the 6th floor,” where her courtroom is situated. Fellow Judge Marisabel Cabrera also voiced her stance against complying with ICE warrants, deeming them unconstitutional.

Obstruction of a federal officer can result in severe penalties. Federal law, specifically 18 USC § 1001, states that fabricating information in relation to a federal investigation is a felony punishable by up to five years in prison.

This development comes after a memo from Governor Tony Evers‘s Department of Administration suggested government employees could assist undocumented migrants by refusing to answer questions posed by federal agents regarding individuals’ whereabouts. The memo also advised against granting agents access to files or systems without consulting an attorney.

Neither the FBI nor ICE has commented on the ongoing investigation at this time.