A Milwaukee judge faces serious legal consequences after allegedly helping an illegal immigrant escape federal custody, with the Wisconsin Supreme Court taking swift action to suspend her from the bench pending criminal proceedings.
Key Takeaways
- Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan has been temporarily suspended by the Wisconsin Supreme Court after being arrested by the FBI for allegedly helping an illegal immigrant evade ICE agents.
- Dugan allegedly concealed Mexican national Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, who had prior deportation history and pending battery charges, by escorting him through non-public areas of the courthouse.
- FBI Director Kash Patel stated that Dugan’s alleged obstruction “created increased danger to the public” before agents eventually captured Flores-Ruiz after a foot chase.
- If convicted, Dugan faces potential penalties of up to 15 years in prison according to some reports, while others indicate maximum penalties of six years imprisonment and a $350,000 fine.
- The case has become politically divisive, with Republicans supporting the investigation and Democrats criticizing courthouse immigration enforcement under President Trump’s administration.
Wisconsin’s Highest Court Takes Action
The Wisconsin Supreme Court has temporarily relieved Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan of her judicial duties following her arrest by the FBI. The court’s decision came after federal authorities charged Dugan with obstruction for allegedly helping a Mexican national evade Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in her courthouse. This administrative suspension allows Dugan to continue receiving her salary while the case proceeds, but removes her from her position on the bench to maintain public confidence in the state’s judicial system.
According to court documents, Dugan is accused of concealing Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, who was wanted on three misdemeanor battery charges and had previously been deported from the United States in 2013. When ICE agents arrived at the courthouse to take Flores-Ruiz into custody, Dugan allegedly confronted them and demanded they leave before directing them to the Chief Judge’s office. The Wisconsin Supreme Court explained their decision to suspend the judge, stating their action was necessary “to uphold the public’s confidence in the courts of this state during the pendency of the criminal proceeding against Judge Dugan.”
Wisconsin Supreme Court temporarily suspends judge accused of helping a migrant evade immigration authorities https://t.co/4oZXxhJCIm
— The Hill (@thehill) April 30, 2025
Alleged Courthouse Escape
Federal authorities allege that after confronting ICE agents, Judge Dugan escorted Flores-Ruiz and his attorney through a non-public area of the courthouse in an apparent attempt to help him avoid arrest. FBI Director Kash Patel has been direct in his assessment of the situation, highlighting the potential public safety implications of the judge’s alleged actions. The criminal complaint states that following this courthouse escape, Flores-Ruiz fled on foot before being captured by federal agents who pursued him.
“Thankfully our agents chased down the perp on foot and he’s been in custody since, but the Judge’s obstruction created increased danger to the public,” said FBI Director Kash Patel.
Flores-Ruiz is currently being held in federal custody at the Ozaukee County Jail. The FBI affidavit claims that Dugan was visibly upset when ICE agents arrived at her courtroom and attempted to redirect them away from the area. The complaint further alleges that after helping Flores-Ruiz exit through a non-public area, “a foot chase ensued” as federal agents attempted to apprehend him. This case has drawn comparisons to that of Massachusetts Judge Shelley Joseph, who faced similar charges in 2019.
Legal Proceedings and Political Implications
Judge Dugan appeared in court following her arrest by the FBI, where she contested the charges against her. She was released from custody pending her arraignment scheduled for May 15, 2025. If convicted, Dugan could face serious consequences, with some reports indicating penalties of up to 15 years in prison, while others cite maximum penalties of six years imprisonment and a $350,000 fine. Her legal team has vigorously defended her and criticized the court’s suspension.
“Judge Dugan wholeheartedly regrets and protests her arrest. It was not made in the interest of public safety,” said her attorney, Craig Mastantuono.
The case has become politically charged, with Republicans considering further actions for Dugan’s removal while Democrats have criticized the Trump administration’s courthouse arrest policies. Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers emphasized the importance of presumed innocence, while Republican Senator John Cornyn expressed support for enforcing immigration laws. Chief Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Carl Ashley has announced that Dugan’s caseload will be handled by a reserve judge during her suspension. The incident is part of the broader national discourse on immigration enforcement under President Trump’s administration.
Sources:
- Wisconsin Supreme Court temporarily suspends judge accused of helping a migrant evade immigration authorities
- Milwaukee Judge Hannah Dugan, who allegedly helped illegal migrant evade ICE, is ‘temporarily relieved’ of duties — days after FBI arrest
- Wisconsin Supreme Court suspends Judge Hannah Dugan after federal charges
