A federal grand jury indictment handed down on Tuesday accuses Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Hannah Dugan of helping an undocumented immigrant evade Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers.
According to Fox News, Judge Dugan could face up to six years in prison and $350,000 in fines if convicted on federal charges of concealing a person from arrest and obstruction of justice.
The case centers around an April incident where Dugan allegedly assisted Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, an undocumented Mexican national, in evading federal agents during his court appearance for misdemeanor battery charges. Prosecutors claim she falsely told ICE officers they needed a warrant to enter her courtroom and then escorted Flores-Ruiz through a side door to help him escape.
Dugan's defense team has assembled prominent legal figures to fight the charges. Former Bush-era solicitor general Paul Clemente, who has argued over 100 Supreme Court cases, has joined her defense. Steve Biskupic, a George W. Bush appointee and former U.S. attorney, leads the team alongside attorneys from two prominent law firms.
On Wednesday, Dugan's lawyers filed a motion to dismiss the federal case, arguing that she is protected by judicial immunity for her official actions. The defense team maintains that the government lacks legal grounds for prosecution.
Dugan is expected to plead not guilty at her Thursday court appearance. Her legal team released a statement emphasizing her commitment to legal principles throughout her career.
The case has drawn sharp reactions from top officials in President Trump's administration. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Attorney General Pam Bondi have both expressed determination to hold Dugan accountable.
Secretary Noem stated:
She will be held accountable for that. That was a great decision, coming forward, to recognize that nobody can facilitate breaking the law. We shouldn't be able to allow that in this country, and we need to make sure that even judges are held accountable for their actions.
The criminal charges have intensified political debate around immigration enforcement policies under the Trump administration. Immigration rights advocates have rallied in support of Dugan, while critics argue her actions undermined federal law enforcement.
The indictment highlights ongoing conflicts between state judiciary officials and federal immigration authorities. The charges against Dugan stem from federal statutes 18 U.S.C. Section 1505 and 18 U.S.C. Section 1071.
Protesters have gathered outside the Milwaukee County Courthouse since Dugan's arrest, demonstrating both support and opposition to her actions. The case continues to draw national attention as it moves through the federal court system.
Local community organizations have organized rallies backing the judge, while immigration enforcement supporters call for maximum penalties if she's convicted.
Judge Hannah Dugan, a Milwaukee County Circuit Court judge, stands accused of deliberately interfering with federal immigration enforcement by helping an undocumented immigrant evade ICE officers in her courtroom. The charges stem from an April incident involving Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, who was appearing before her on battery charges. If convicted on both federal counts, she faces up to six years imprisonment and substantial fines, with her high-powered legal team preparing to mount an aggressive defense.
