Milwaukee Judge Found Guilty of Obstructing ICE Agents in Courthouse Incident
MILWAUKEE, Wis. — A federal jury has found Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Hannah Dugan guilty of obstructing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents during an incident at the courthouse earlier this year. The verdict, delivered after six hours of deliberation, marks a rare conviction of a sitting judge on a federal obstruction charge. Dugan now faces up to five years in prison for her actions.
The case stems from an April 18 episode in which Judge Dugan reportedly helped Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, a man wanted by ICE, avoid arrest by federal agents attempting to serve a warrant at the Milwaukee courthouse. Prosecutors presented evidence that Dugan, upon learning of the agents’ presence, assisted Flores-Ruiz and his attorney in exiting the courtroom through a back door, effectively shielding him from the plainclothes officers.
Surveillance footage released by Milwaukee County shows Dugan, clad in her judicial robes, confronting ICE agents in the courthouse hallway during the incident. The footage played a crucial role in the prosecution’s case, illustrating the judge’s direct involvement in the obstruction.
While the jury found Dugan guilty of felony obstruction, she was acquitted on a related misdemeanor charge of concealing an individual to prevent arrest. The verdict has sparked a mix of reactions from legal experts and public officials.
Interim U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin Brad Schimel emphasized the importance of respecting the rule of law, stating, “This was a criminal case, like many that make their way through this courthouse every day, and we all must accept the verdict peacefully.” Schimel also clarified that prosecutors were not seeking to make an example out of Dugan but felt accountability was necessary given her actions.
Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche condemned the judge’s conduct, asserting that she “betrayed her oath and the people she served.” He underscored the federal government’s commitment to upholding immigration enforcement within judicial settings.
Dugan’s defense team expressed disappointment with the outcome but signaled plans to continue fighting the charges. In a statement, they highlighted the failure to secure convictions on both counts as an opportunity to clear the judge’s name and vowed to pursue the next phase of her defense.
This case unfolds amid ongoing national debates over immigration enforcement near sensitive locations such as courthouses. Some states, including Illinois, have passed legislation restricting ICE arrests in or near courthouses to protect individuals seeking legal recourse.
The Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency has maintained that courthouse arrests are lawful and necessary to enforce immigration laws, while critics argue such actions may undermine public trust in the judicial system.
Judge Dugan’s conviction highlights the tensions between local judicial officials and federal immigration authorities. It also raises questions about the limits of judicial immunity and the responsibilities of judges when federal law enforcement is involved.
More information about federal obstruction statutes and legal standards can be found through the U.S. Department of Justice. Meanwhile, the Department of Homeland Security continues to oversee immigration enforcement policies nationwide.
As the case proceeds, the Milwaukee community and legal observers await further developments, including potential appeals. The outcome may set important precedents for how judges interact with federal immigration authorities in the future.
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