MILWAUKEE, WI – In a development that could mark a significant intensification of the Trump administration’s deportation strategies, a Milwaukee County judge has been arrested by the FBI. She stands accused of aiding an undocumented immigrant in avoiding capture by federal authorities within her courtroom. The incident has sparked widespread debate and criticism, highlighting tensions between federal immigration enforcement and local judicial practices.
The judge in question, Hannah Dugan, a sitting Milwaukee County Circuit Judge, now faces federal charges that could lead to a six-year prison sentence. Critics argue that this case exemplifies an aggressive push by the Trump administration to compel local officials to support its deportation agenda, which targets millions of illegal aliens across the nation.
The indictment against Judge Dugan, unsealed this week, alleges that she obstructed Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents as they attempted to detain Eduardo Flores Ruez, an undocumented immigrant from Mexico. Flores Ruez was present in court for misdemeanor domestic violence charges when the confrontation occurred.
According to the indictment, on April 18, Judge Dugan appeared visibly upset and engaged in a heated exchange with federal agents at the courthouse. She reportedly instructed the agents to consult with the courthouse’s chief judge before returning to her courtroom. It is alleged that she then assisted Flores Ruez and his attorney in leaving the courtroom through a jury door, allowing him temporary evasion from arrest.
Flores Ruez was subsequently apprehended near the courthouse. The charges against Judge Dugan include obstructing justice, a serious allegation that underscores the administration’s message: no one, not even a judge, is above the law.
The arrest has led to protests outside the courthouse, with demonstrators voicing their support for Judge Dugan. Her attorney has stated that she vehemently denies the charges, arguing that her actions were in the interest of justice and not a threat to public safety. The case has become a focal point in the ongoing debate over local versus federal jurisdiction in immigration matters.
As Judge Dugan prepares to contest the charges, the case draws attention to the broader implications of federal pressure on local judicial systems. If convicted, Judge Dugan faces a potential six-year prison term, a prospect that adds urgency to her legal battle.