Milwaukee Judge Convicted of Obstruction in Immigration Case

Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan has been convicted of felony obstruction for assisting a Mexican immigrant, Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, in evading federal immigration authorities. The jury acquitted her of a misdemeanor charge of concealing an individual to prevent arrest.

The charges stem from an April 18 incident when Dugan allegedly misdirected U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents and facilitated Flores-Ruiz's exit through a private courtroom door, allowing him to temporarily avoid arrest. He was later apprehended outside the courthouse.

U.S. Attorney Brad Schimel emphasized the case's focus on the rule of law, stating, "While this case is serious for all involved, it is ultimately about a single day, a single bad day in a public courthouse."

Dugan's defense argued she was adhering to courthouse protocols amid confusion over ICE activities. Her attorney, Steven Biskupic, expressed disappointment with the verdict, noting, "The case is a long way from over."

The conviction carries a potential sentence of up to five years in prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.