Former Wisconsin Judge Fined for Courageously Defending Immigrant Rights, Avoids Prison
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Hannah Dugan, a former Milwaukee County Circuit Judge, was sentenced to a $5,000 fine and probation for standing up to ICE and protecting a vulnerable Mexican immigrant in her courtroom, escaping jail time despite a felony obstruction conviction.
On Wednesday, a federal judge sentenced former Wisconsin Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan to a $5,000 fine and probation, sparing her from prison after she was convicted of felony obstruction for her principled act of helping a Mexican defendant evade the harsh grip of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents in April 2025.
U.S. District Judge Lynn Adelman acknowledged that Dugan’s actions were a 'bad decision in the moment,' but emphasized her decades-long commitment to public service and justice. Judge Adelman recognized that Dugan had already paid a heavy price, losing her judgeship, suffering a felony conviction, and being driven from her home by threats — all for standing up for the dignity and safety of an immigrant in her courtroom.
Despite prosecutors’ demands for prison time, arguing that Dugan had violated her oath and endangered law enforcement, the judge rejected the punitive approach. Executive Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard Frohling insisted that judges 'cannot cross a line,' but the sentencing memo’s call for 15 to 21 months behind bars was not binding, and the court wisely chose a more humane path.
The incident unfolded when ICE agents stormed the Milwaukee County courthouse to detain Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, a Mexican immigrant scheduled for a hearing before Dugan. Rather than capitulate to the aggressive tactics of federal agents, Dugan directed them to the chief judge’s office and then quietly helped Flores-Ruiz and his attorney exit through a private door. Although ICE agents later caught Flores-Ruiz outside and deported him in November, Dugan’s actions offered a rare moment of compassion in a system too often defined by cruelty.
Dugan resigned from the bench in January after relentless impeachment threats from Republican lawmakers. In court, she explained that her intent was to maintain order and safety, while acknowledging the polarized reactions to her actions — being labeled both a 'scofflaw and a hero.' Her legal team has announced plans to appeal the conviction, continuing the fight for justice and immigrant rights.