Milwaukee Judge Hannah Dugan Pleads Not Guilty to Federal Charges in Immigration Case

MILWAUKEE, Wis. — Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Hannah Dugan, 66, pleaded not guilty on Thursday, May 15, 2025, to federal charges of obstruction and concealing an individual from arrest, following her indictment by a federal grand jury earlier this week. The charges stem from allegations that Dugan helped an undocumented immigrant, Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, evade U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents during a court appearance on April 18, 2025.

According to court documents, Dugan allegedly escorted Flores-Ruiz, a Mexican national facing misdemeanor domestic abuse charges, and his attorney through a non-public jury door in her courtroom after learning ICE agents were present in the Milwaukee County Courthouse to detain him. Prosecutors claim Dugan directed federal agents to the chief judge’s office, creating an opportunity to usher Flores-Ruiz out of the building. Despite her efforts, ICE agents apprehended Flores-Ruiz after a brief foot chase outside the courthouse. Flores-Ruiz, who had been deported in 2013 and illegally reentered the U.S., remains in federal custody.

The federal grand jury indicted Dugan on Tuesday, May 13, on two counts: obstructing a federal agency, a felony, and concealing a person to prevent arrest, a misdemeanor. If convicted on both charges, Dugan faces up to six years in prison and fines of up to $350,000. Her legal team, led by attorney Craig Mastantuono, filed a motion to dismiss the case on Wednesday, arguing that Dugan’s actions were protected by judicial immunity, as they occurred in her official capacity as a judge managing her courtroom. The motion cites a 2024 Supreme Court ruling in Trump v. United States, which grants immunity for certain official acts, asserting that the prosecution is “unconstitutional” and an overreach into state authority.

Dugan’s arrest by the FBI on April 25, 2025, and subsequent indictment have sparked significant controversy, escalating tensions between the Trump administration and local judicial authorities over immigration enforcement policies. The Wisconsin Supreme Court temporarily suspended Dugan from her judicial duties in late April, citing the need to maintain public confidence in the judiciary. A reserve judge has been appointed to handle her caseload.

Supporters of Dugan, including over 150 former judges who signed a letter condemning her arrest, argue that the prosecution is politically motivated and an attempt to intimidate the judiciary. Protesters gathered outside the federal courthouse in Milwaukee on Thursday, chanting “Hands Off Judge Dugan” and holding signs in support of the judge, who is known for her strict courtroom demeanor and community involvement in interfaith events. Christine Neumann-Ortiz, executive director of Voces de la Frontera, a Milwaukee-based immigrant rights group, told the crowd, “We know this isn’t about one judge,” framing the case as part of a broader clash over immigration policy.

The Trump administration, however, defends the prosecution as a necessary step to uphold federal law. Attorney General Pam Bondi stated, “It doesn’t matter what line of work you are in, if you break the law, we will follow the facts and we will prosecute you.” FBI Director Kash Patel, who posted images of Dugan’s arrest on social media, described her actions as “intentionally misdirecting” federal agents, though his posts drew criticism from legal professionals for violating Justice Department protocols.

Dugan’s case draws parallels to a 2019 incident involving a Massachusetts judge accused of similar actions, which was ultimately dismissed. Legal experts suggest the rarely used felony obstruction charge, originally designed to address business monopolies, may face scrutiny in court. “There’s going to be an interesting discussion on whether this statute was ever designed to apply in this situation,” said Laurie Levenson, a law professor, in an interview with the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

Dugan, first elected to the Milwaukee County Circuit Court in 2016 and re-elected in 2022, has maintained her innocence throughout the proceedings. Her legal team issued a statement following the indictment: “Judge Dugan asserts her innocence and looks forward to being vindicated in court.” The case is set to proceed under U.S. District Judge Lynn Adelman, with pre-trial motions to be handled by U.S. Magistrate Judge Nancy Joseph. Under the federal Speedy Trial Act, a trial must commence within 70 days of the indictment or Dugan’s initial court appearance, unless extended by the court.

The case continues to fuel debate over the role of immigration enforcement in courthouses and the boundaries of judicial authority, with implications for both local and national immigration policy.

Sources: The New York Times, CNN, Fox News, The Guardian, Wisconsin Public Radio, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Yahoo News, BBC, Reuters, Axios, Star Tribune, TMJ4, Washington Examiner.

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