Judge Dugan Indicted for Obstructing Immigration Enforcement in Milwaukee

Milwaukee, Wisconsin — A federal grand jury indicted Judge Hannah Dugan of the Milwaukee County Circuit Court on Tuesday, alleging she violated federal law by helping a man evade immigration enforcement last month. The grand jury found probable cause to support charges of obstructing a proceeding and concealing an individual to prevent his discovery and arrest.

Prosecutors allege that Dugan assisted Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, who was facing state-level misdemeanor charges of battery, by guiding him through a back door intended for jurors on April 18. This action reportedly allowed Flores-Ruiz to avoid federal immigration agents waiting outside the courtroom. Soon after his departure, he was apprehended by agents at a nearby intersection.

Federal authorities claim Flores-Ruiz is an undocumented immigrant, having been ordered deported back to Mexico in 2013. A federal affidavit states that there is no evidence suggesting he sought permission to return to the U.S.

Witnesses reported seeing Dugan become “visibly angry” upon learning of the federal agents’ presence at her courtroom and questioned the agents regarding the legality of their warrant. While an agent provided an administrative warrant, Dugan allegedly instructed the federal agents to go to the chief judge’s office to discuss courthouse policies.

While the agents were occupied, Dugan reportedly allowed Flores-Ruiz and his attorney to escape through the jury door, suggesting that his upcoming court hearing could occur via Zoom.

Dugan, who has not presided over cases since being indicted, was arrested at the Milwaukee County Courthouse on April 25. She is scheduled for a preliminary hearing in U.S. District Court this Thursday.

“Judge Dugan asserts her innocence and looks forward to being vindicated in court,” stated her attorney, Craig Mastantuono, following the indictment.

This case has sparked discussions regarding local judiciary actions amid federal immigration enforcement and has drawn comparisons to a similar case involving Judge Shelley Joseph of Massachusetts.