A Milwaukee County Circuit Judge has been convicted on obstruction charges for assisting a Mexican national in evading federal immigration authorities during court proceedings. Judge Hannah Dugan, 66, was found guilty after a federal jury determined she intentionally helped Eduardo Flores-Ruiz avoid arrest by directing him through a restricted exit during his court appearance on April 18.
The incident occurred when six federal officers from multiple agencies including FBI, ICE, and DEA were present in Dugan’s courtroom to execute an immigration warrant for Flores-Ruiz, who was facing misdemeanor battery charges. According to FBI affidavits, Dugan became visibly angered by the warrant type and instructed officers to report to the chief judge instead. During this diversion, she escorted Flores-Ruiz and his attorney through a private jurors’ exit.
Despite Dugan’s intervention, immigration agents apprehended Flores-Ruiz shortly afterward, and he was subsequently deported. The conviction represents a significant victory for the Trump administration, which has frequently criticized what it perceives as a politicized justice system.
While the jury found Dugan guilty of obstruction, they acquitted her on additional charges of obstructing a criminal proceeding and concealing a person from arrest. Her defense attorney, Steven Biskupic, argued that Dugan merely directed the defendant “out into the hallway with his lawyer” without malicious intent.
Following the verdict, Dugan’s legal team maintained her innocence, stating the partial acquittal demonstrated opportunities to clear her name. Conversely, Deputy US Attorney General Todd Blanche declared the conviction affirmed that “nobody is above the law,” emphasizing the Department of Justice’s commitment to enforcing immigration laws and holding obstructors accountable regardless of position.
Dugan now faces a maximum sentence of five years imprisonment, though a sentencing date has not yet been scheduled.