Milwaukee Judge Convicted of Obstructing ICE Resigns, Vows to Continue Legal Battle
MILWAUKEE, Wis. — Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Hannah Dugan resigned her judicial post on January 7, 2026, following her conviction for obstructing federal immigration agents during an attempt to serve a warrant at the courthouse last year. Despite stepping down, Dugan vowed to continue challenging the charges, which she describes as a threat to the independence of the judiciary.
In a letter addressed to Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers, Dugan expressed concern over the unprecedented nature of the federal legal proceedings against her. “I am pursuing this fight for myself and for our independent judiciary,” she wrote, emphasizing the complexity and gravity of the case. She added that Milwaukee citizens deserved to begin the year with a functioning judge on the bench rather than face a partisan battle over her seat in the state legislature.
Dugan’s resignation is effective immediately. The judge was found guilty on December 18, 2025, by a 12-person jury of obstructing officers from the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) who were attempting to serve a warrant on Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, an undocumented immigrant, inside the Milwaukee courthouse.
Prosecutors detailed how Dugan allegedly directed Flores-Ruiz and his attorney to exit the courtroom through a back door upon learning of ICE agents’ presence in the building on April 18, 2025. This action was interpreted as an effort to help Flores-Ruiz evade arrest. Dugan pleaded not guilty to the felony obstruction charge and was acquitted of a lesser misdemeanor count.
Her defense team has since filed a motion seeking a new trial, and no sentencing date has been set by U.S. District Judge Lynn Adelman. If convicted on the felony charge, Dugan faces up to five years in prison. Meanwhile, the Wisconsin Supreme Court suspended her from judicial duties in April 2025, though she continued to receive her annual salary of approximately $175,000 during the trial period.
The case has ignited political controversy in Wisconsin, with Republican leaders demanding Dugan’s immediate resignation. Assembly Speaker Robin Vos and Majority Leader Tyler August cited the state constitution, which prohibits individuals convicted of felonies from holding public office unless pardoned. They argued that Wisconsinites deserve a judiciary free from perceived partiality or impropriety.
This incident has drawn attention to the broader tensions surrounding immigration enforcement and judicial conduct. The Department of Homeland Security oversees ICE operations, which have been subject to scrutiny and debate nationwide. Advocates for judicial independence warn that prosecuting judges for courtroom decisions could set a troubling precedent.
Judge Dugan’s case underscores the challenges faced by courts navigating politically charged immigration issues. The legal community and public alike await further developments as Dugan continues her legal fight. For more information on federal immigration enforcement, visit the U.S. Department of Justice and the Federal Judiciary websites.
As the state legislature contemplates the vacancy left by Dugan’s resignation, the spotlight remains on the delicate balance between upholding the rule of law and preserving judicial independence in contentious immigration matters.
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