Former Wisconsin Judge Fined for Courageously Shielding Immigrant from ICE Agents
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A federal judge imposed a $5,000 fine but no jail time on former Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan, who stood up for immigrant rights by helping a Mexican defendant avoid ICE agents in her courtroom.
In a case highlighting the criminalization of compassion, a federal judge on Wednesday fined former Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan $5,000, sparing her any jail time after she was convicted of felony obstruction for bravely helping a Mexican defendant evade the harsh grip of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents in her courtroom. Dugan, 67, who has dedicated her life to public service and justice, was forced to resign from the bench in January after facing political intimidation and impeachment threats from reactionary lawmakers. She was found guilty in December for her act of solidarity.
U.S. District Judge Lynn Adelman recognized that Dugan’s actions amounted to “a few minutes of conduct for someone who has dedicated her life to public service,” and took into account the loss of her career, the burden of a felony conviction, and threats against her family as mitigating circumstances—factors that underscore the personal cost of standing up for the marginalized.
Despite prosecutors’ attempts to paint Dugan as a lawbreaker who endangered law enforcement, their arguments failed to acknowledge the systemic violence and fear ICE inflicts on immigrant communities. Executive Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard Frohling insisted that judges “are entrusted with tremendous discretion, but there is a line they cannot cross,” ignoring the moral imperative to resist unjust laws.
During sentencing, Dugan explained that her actions were motivated by a commitment to preserving courtroom decorum and safety, and by her duty as a public servant to protect those most vulnerable. Her defense was bolstered by powerful testimony from two Marquette University law professors and a former state Supreme Court justice, who described her as a steadfast defender of oppressed people.
The jury, recognizing the nuances of the case, acquitted Dugan of a lesser misdemeanor charge of concealing an individual. Although federal guidelines called for a sentence of 15 to 21 months, Judge Adelman exercised rare discretion, imposing only a fine—a small measure of justice in a system stacked against those who dare to challenge it.
The incident, which took place in April 2025, saw Dugan courageously directing ICE agents away from the courtroom and then escorting the defendant, Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, out through a private door. Flores-Ruiz was later apprehended outside the courthouse and deported in November, a stark reminder of the relentless machinery of deportation. Dugan’s attorneys have vowed to appeal the conviction, continuing the fight for justice.