Overview of the Arrest

Judge Hannah Dugan of Milwaukee County was arrested on Friday morning by federal agents, facing serious allegations of obstructing immigration enforcement. The charges stem from her actions in connection with an undocumented individual within the courthouse.

Details of the Case

Judge Dugan is accused of assisting 29-year-old Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, a Mexican national with a prior deportation order, evade arrest by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. This incident occurred during a court session related to a misdemeanor battery case involving Flores-Ruiz.

Events Leading to the Arrest

According to federal prosecutors, the situation escalated when a public defender alerted Dugan’s clerk about the presence of ICE agents outside the courtroom. In response, Dugan allegedly confronted the agents and redirected them elsewhere, allowing Flores-Ruiz to slip away through a non-public exit.

Subsequently, Flores-Ruiz was pursued and apprehended after a brief chase, following his escape from the courthouse.

Court Proceedings and Reactions

Judge Dugan has since been released from federal custody after a brief court appearance. Her initial hearing lasted only a few minutes, and she has promised to return for further proceedings scheduled for May 15.

In a statement, Chief Judge Carl Ashley confirmed that due to the circumstances, Dugan’s court calendar will be managed by another judge. The implications of this arrest are significant and have garnered attention across various levels of government and the public.

Background Information

Hannah Dugan has been a circuit court judge since 2016 and was re-elected in 2022. This recent event marks a substantial deviation from her judicial role and raises questions about the intersection of judicial responsibilities and immigration enforcement.

Public Response and Upcoming Actions

Supporters of Dugan gathered outside the courthouse following her arrest, illustrating the community’s divided sentiments on the matter. Federal prosecutors are expected to seek an indictment against her, intensifying the legal ramifications of the case.