Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Hannah Dugan was arrested on Friday morning by the FBI for allegedly obstructing law enforcement procedures. The charges stem from accusations that she concealed an undocumented immigrant, Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, in her jury room to prevent his arrest by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents.
According to a federal criminal complaint, on April 18, Dugan facilitated Flores-Ruiz's escape from agents who were waiting to arrest him following a court appearance related to misdemeanor battery charges. She allegedly directed law enforcement officers to the chief judge's office and subsequently escorted Flores-Ruiz and his attorney through a restricted area, thereby allowing him to evade arrest.
During a brief hearing in federal court, Dugan did not make any public comments. Her attorney expressed that she regrets her actions and claims that the arrest was not in the public interest. Dugan has disputed earlier reports that accused her of shielding the undocumented immigrant, asserting that the information presented was inaccurate.
The arrest has drawn significant attention, with various public officials weighing in. Attorney General Pam Bondi criticized Dugan's actions, highlighting the seriousness of the underlying charges against Flores-Ruiz, which included violent offenses. Conversely, Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson condemned the federal government's actions, arguing that they create a chilling effect on individuals seeking justice in the court system.
Dugan was elected to the Circuit Court in 2016 and has a history of involvement with legal aid organizations. Her next court appearance is scheduled for May 15. The incident has prompted discussions about the intersection of judicial responsibilities and immigration enforcement.