Judge Hannah Dugan, a Milwaukee County judge, is facing serious consequences after being found guilty of obstructing federal immigration agents. This ruling stems from her actions on April 18, when she allegedly helped Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, an illegal alien with a troubling criminal history, evade arrest in her own courthouse.
Federal agents from ICE, along with partners from other agencies, came to serve a warrant for Flores-Ruiz. Dugan’s interference was detailed in the Department of Justice’s allegations. Upon realizing federal agents were present, she confronted them and ordered them to leave. When informed that authorities held a valid immigration arrest warrant, she demanded they obtain a judicial warrant instead. This demand was not only unfounded but put a significant barrier in front of law enforcement efforts. As a result, the agents had to retreat from her courtroom area.
Not only did Dugan obstruct the agents’ attempts, but she also opted not to conduct a hearing for Flores-Ruiz, despite the presence of victims of his crimes. Instead, she took the unusual step of personally escorting Flores-Ruiz and his attorney out of the courthouse through a restricted access door typically unused by defendants or their legal representatives. This maneuver allowed Flores-Ruiz to temporarily evade capture, although he was later apprehended outside after leading the agents on a short foot chase.
The consequences of Dugan’s actions ultimately led to her arrest on both felony and misdemeanor charges. Following a six-hour jury deliberation, she was convicted on the felony obstruction charge but acquitted of the misdemeanor. With a maximum potential sentence of five years in prison looming, her defense team has expressed disappointment, framing the outcome as an opportunity to continue fighting the charges. They commented, “While we are disappointed in today’s outcome, the failure of the prosecution to secure convictions on both counts demonstrates the opportunity we have to clear Judge Dugan’s name.”
In contrast, Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche emphasized the significance of the verdict. He stated that Dugan had “betrayed her oath” and reaffirmed the commitment to uphold the law. His remarks echoed a decisiveness from the federal government on immigration enforcement, stating, “Nobody is above the law.”
This case has drawn attention to issues of judicial accountability and the responsibilities of public officials. As the situation unfolds, it serves as a stark reminder of the friction between state and federal laws, especially in the complex arena of immigration enforcement. Judge Dugan’s actions have now set her on a path toward severe legal repercussions, with the jury’s decision signaling a strong stance on law enforcement compliance and the integrity of the judicial system.
"*" indicates required fields
