A Wisconsin judge’s alleged attempt to shield an illegal immigrant from federal agents has landed her in hot water with a federal indictment.
Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan faces serious charges for reportedly helping a man evade U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, and her actions, rooted in defiance of law enforcement, have sparked outrage among those who value national sovereignty, as the Associated Press reports.
This week, a federal grand jury indicted Dugan on charges of concealing an individual to prevent arrest and obstruction, a move that followed an initial complaint filed earlier in the month. If convicted, she could face up to six years in prison. The case has exposed tensions between local officials and federal immigration enforcement, highlighting a troubling disregard for the rule of law.
The incident unfolded on April 18, when Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, an illegal immigrant with a prior deportation in 2013, appeared in Dugan’s courtroom for a hearing. Flores-Ruiz faced three misdemeanor domestic abuse charges in Milwaukee County in March 2025. He was free on a signature bond at the time, but ICE agents were in the courthouse seeking his arrest.
The judge's clerk was tipped off by an attorney about the ICE agents’ presence in the hallway. Visibly angered, Dugan called the situation “absurd” before retreating to her chambers. Her frustration with federal authorities set the stage for a brazen move that would soon escalate the situation.
Dugan, alongside another judge, confronted the ICE arrest team in the courthouse with what was described as a “confrontational, angry demeanor.” She demanded that the agents speak with the chief judge, effectively diverting them from their mission. This distraction allowed Dugan to return to her courtroom and execute her next step. Back in the courtroom, Dugan allegedly took Flores-Ruiz and his attorney through a back jury door, a route typically reserved for deputies, jurors, court staff, and in-custody defendants. She was heard saying words like “wait, come with me” to the pair, according to an affidavit.
Despite Dugan’s efforts, federal agents captured Flores-Ruiz outside the courthouse after a brief foot chase. His attempt to flee justice was thwarted, but the incident raised serious questions about Dugan’s conduct. Her actions appeared to prioritize an illegal immigrant over the enforcement of federal law.
The grand jury reviewed the evidence and found probable cause to issue a formal indictment against Dugan. Prosecutors argued that her interference with ICE agents constituted obstruction and concealment. The severity of the charges reflects the gravity of undermining federal authority in a time when border security is a national priority.
Dugan is reportedly scheduled to enter a plea on Thursday, just two days after the indictment's issuance. Her team of defense attorneys issued a statement asserting her innocence, claiming she “looks forward to being vindicated in court.” However, the evidence against her paints a troubling picture of judicial overreach and defiance.
In late April, the Wisconsin Supreme Court suspended Dugan from the bench. A reserve judge has since stepped in to fill her role. The suspension underscores the seriousness of the allegations and their impact on public trust in the judiciary.
Dugan’s alleged actions reflect a broader trend of local officials obstructing federal immigration enforcement. Such behavior undermines the safety and security of American communities, particularly working-class families who bear the brunt of unchecked illegal immigration. Her case serves as a stark reminder of the need for accountability in public office.
The confrontation with ICE agents highlights a growing divide between those who uphold the law and those who seek to circumvent it. Dugan’s decision to escort Flores-Ruiz out a back door was not a neutral act but a deliberate challenge to federal authority. This incident fuels concerns about activist judges prioritizing ideology over justice.
Flores-Ruiz’s illegal reentry after his 2013 deportation underscores the challenges of securing America’s borders. His domestic abuse charges further highlight the risks posed by lax enforcement policies. Dugan’s interference only compounded these issues, delaying justice for a man with a history of breaking the law.
The indictment of a sitting judge is a rare and significant event, signaling that no one is above the law. For communities frustrated by the erosion of national sovereignty, Dugan’s case is a call to restore respect for legal boundaries. It also raises questions about how far some officials will go to protect those who violate immigration laws.
As Dugan prepares to face the consequences, her case will likely fuel debates over immigration policy and judicial conduct. Americans who value faith, family, and the rule of law will be watching closely. The outcome of this case could set a precedent for how similar acts of defiance are handled in the future.
