A Milwaukee County Circuit Court judge, Hannah Dugan, found herself on the wrong side of the law when she was arrested by the FBI on obstruction of justice charges. The incident occurred on Thursday when Judge Dugan allegedly assisted Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, an undocumented immigrant, in avoiding arrest by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents.
Judge Dugan's arrest came as a surprise to many, as she was once named a finalist for the 'Most Trusted Public Official' award by the Shepherd Express, a local media outlet. This accolade, determined by a public vote, now contrasts starkly with the charges against her. Dugan is accused of aiding Flores-Ruiz, who had a previous deportation on record and was sought by federal authorities for allegedly assaulting someone in a dispute over loud music.
If convicted, Judge Dugan could face up to a decade in prison for her actions. The narrative began outside her courtroom, where she purportedly concealed Flores-Ruiz from ICE officials. The New York Post reports that Flores-Ruiz was later apprehended following a brief pursuit on foot.
Dugan's legal career started at Legal Action of Wisconsin, where she provided free legal services. Her advocacy extended to defending panhandlers and challenging restrictions on panhandling as unconstitutional. Her views on law enforcement and the justice system were previously documented in a 2000 interview with The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, where she highlighted the intimidation her clients often felt towards these institutions.
Although unsuccessful in her initial run for judge in 2012, Dugan was elected to the bench in 2016 and reelected in 2022. Her tenure as a judge has not been without controversy, ruling on high-profile cases such as a GOP-backed lawsuit against Milwaukee's get-out-the-vote initiative, which she dismissed due to a lack of credible evidence of political campaign influence.
FBI Director Kash Patel publicly announced the arrest, detailing how Dugan intentionally misled federal agents to aid Flores-Ruiz's evasion. The federal complaint describes how Dugan requested ICE agents to exit the building and escorted Flores-Ruiz through a jury door to a non-public area.
The legal community has been shaken by Dugan's arrest, emphasizing the tense dynamics between the judiciary and federal immigration enforcement. Craig Mastantuono, Dugan's attorney, stated that the judge regretted her actions, asserting that her intentions were not against public safety.