Wisconsin Judge Convicted of Obstructing Federal Immigration Arrest

Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan has been convicted of obstruction for assisting a Mexican immigrant in evading federal immigration authorities during an arrest attempt at the courthouse. The jury acquitted her on a separate charge of concealing an individual to prevent arrest.

The incident occurred in April when Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, facing misdemeanor battery charges, appeared in Dugan's courtroom. Federal agents were present to arrest him on immigration violations. Dugan directed the agents to the chief judge's office and subsequently led Flores-Ruiz and his attorney through a private exit, allowing him to temporarily avoid arrest.

Following a brief pursuit, Flores-Ruiz was apprehended outside the courthouse and later deported.

Dugan's defense argued that she was adhering to courthouse protocols and did not intend to obstruct justice.

Deputy U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche stated, "Today, a federal jury of her peers found her guilty and sent a clear message: the American people respect law and order. Nobody is above the law."

Dugan faces up to five years in prison for the obstruction charge. A sentencing date has not yet been set.

Under Wisconsin law, a felony conviction disqualifies an individual from holding public office, which may affect Dugan's judicial position.

The case has drawn national attention, highlighting tensions between local judicial actions and federal immigration enforcement policies.