MILWAUKEE — A Wisconsin judge pleaded not guilty Thursday to federal charges alleging she helped an undocumented man evade immigration agents inside her courtroom, a case that has ignited political tensions and drawn national attention.
Judge Hannah Dugan of Milwaukee County Circuit Court faces charges of obstruction and concealing a person to prevent arrest. Prosecutors allege that on April 18, she escorted Eduardo Flores-Ruiz — an undocumented immigrant facing domestic abuse charges — and his attorney out a private courthouse exit to help him avoid arrest by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
If convicted on both counts, Dugan, 63, could face up to six years in prison. She entered her plea during a brief arraignment in federal court, where Magistrate Judge Stephen Dries set a trial date for July.
Dugan’s legal team, led by former federal prosecutor Steven Biskupic and prominent Supreme Court advocate Paul Clement, has moved to dismiss the charges. They argue the federal government overstepped its authority and that Dugan is immune from prosecution for actions taken in her judicial role.
Federal Overreach or Criminal Act?
The case has become a flashpoint in the ongoing debate over federal immigration enforcement under President Trump’s administration. Dugan’s defenders claim the Department of Justice is making an example of her for standing up to ICE tactics in state courts.
Dozens of protesters rallied outside the courthouse ahead of Thursday’s hearing, accusing the DOJ of intimidation and judicial overreach. Chants of “Hands off our freedom” and “Only fascists arrest judges” echoed through the street.
Esther Cabrera of the Milwaukee Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression called the charges “state-funded repression,” warning that if a sitting judge can be prosecuted for defying ICE, “they can come after anybody.”
What Happened in Courtroom 412
According to an FBI affidavit, Judge Dugan became upset after learning ICE agents were present in the courthouse to detain Flores-Ruiz, who had previously been deported in 2013 but reentered the U.S. illegally. The affidavit states she called the situation “absurd,” then exited the bench and later confronted the arrest team with another judge.
After a tense exchange, Dugan allegedly led Flores-Ruiz and his lawyer through a back corridor typically reserved for staff, jurors, and in-custody defendants. ICE agents reportedly captured Flores-Ruiz outside the courthouse after a short foot chase.
A High-Stakes Legal Fight
The Wisconsin Supreme Court has already suspended Dugan pending the outcome of the case, citing the need to preserve public trust in the judiciary.
Former U.S. Attorney John Vaudreuil, not involved in the case, believes the high-profile nature of the case and Dugan’s legal team suggest it may go to trial. “This has all the markings of a test case for the Trump-era DOJ — high visibility, immigration, a progressive judge,” Vaudreuil said.
What’s Next?
While Dugan has remained silent publicly, her lawyers are expected to press the immunity argument hard in pretrial motions. The trial is expected to last about a week if it proceeds as scheduled in July.
Meanwhile, the outcome could set a precedent for how far federal authorities can reach into state courtrooms — and how much discretion judges truly have when immigration enforcement shows up at their doors.
