Federal Trial of Milwaukee Judge Hannah Dugan Begins

Milwaukee, Wis. — December 15, 2025

The federal trial of Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Hannah C. Dugan commenced Monday in a Milwaukee courthouse, marking a rare prosecution of a sitting judge accused of obstructing federal immigration enforcement.Dugan, 66, faces two counts: felony obstruction of a federal agency proceeding and misdemeanor concealment of an individual to prevent arrest. She has pleaded not guilty and maintains her innocence. If convicted, she could face up to six years in prison.

The charges stem from an April 18 incident in Dugan's courtroom. Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, a 31-year-old Mexican national facing state misdemeanor battery charges, appeared before her. Federal agents from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) were present to arrest him on immigration violations, including alleged illegal reentry into the U.S.

Prosecutors allege that Dugan, upon learning of the agents' presence, became "visibly upset" and confrontational, directing them to the chief judge's office. She then reportedly led Flores-Ruiz and his attorney out a non-public side door, allowing him to briefly evade arrest. Audio evidence presented in opening statements reportedly captures Dugan saying she would "get the heat" for her actions.

In opening statements, prosecutors argued Dugan "crossed the line" by interfering with federal operations. Defense attorneys countered that she was simply managing her courtroom and following local policies amid escalating ICE courthouse arrests under the Trump administration's immigration crackdown.

Jury selection concluded last week, seating 12 jurors and two alternates after questions on immigration views, law enforcement trust, and media exposure. The trial, expected to last about a week, has drawn supporters rallying outside the courthouse and national attention as a flashpoint in debates over judicial independence and immigration enforcement.

Testimony is set to continue this week, with prosecutors planning to call up to 28 witnesses. The outcome could have broader implications for courthouse protocols nationwide.