Hannah Dugan, a Circuit Court Judge in Milwaukee County, has been taken into custody and is facing federal charges for allegedly assisting a man in evading arrest by immigration agents at the county courthouse last week. She was apprehended on Friday at 8:30 a.m. within the very courthouse where she serves, and is now charged with obstruction and concealing an individual to prevent his detention. Dugan appeared before a federal court that same day.
On April 18, agents from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) arrived at the court to carry out an administrative arrest warrant for Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, who was facing minor assault charges. During the proceedings, Dugan, visibly upset, reportedly criticized the situation as "absurd" and allegedly enabled Flores-Ruiz to exit through a door designated for the jury, thus avoiding arrest in the courtroom.
After leaving the building, Flores-Ruiz was pursued on foot and eventually apprehended at a nearby intersection. FBI Director Kash Patel announced Dugan's arrest in a social media post, which was later deleted, accusing her of endangering public safety by obstructing the arrest operation. U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi confirmed the arrest, stating that "no one is above the law."
Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley emphasized that Dugan is entitled to due process, while Democratic Representative Gwen Moore described the federal authorities' actions as a potential "overreach." Dugan's arrest comes amidst the Justice Department's policy of prosecuting local officials who interfere with immigration enforcement operations, part of the broader immigration policy changes under Donald Trump's administration.
Elected as a judge in 2016, Hannah Dugan has a longstanding history of working with vulnerable communities, including leading the local branch of Catholic Charities and her involvement with the Legal Aid Society of Milwaukee.
Legal Implications and Public Reactions
What charges is Judge Hannah Dugan facing?
Judge Hannah Dugan is facing federal charges of obstruction and concealing an individual to prevent his detention.
Why was Eduardo Flores-Ruiz being pursued by ICE?
Eduardo Flores-Ruiz was being pursued by ICE agents due to an administrative arrest warrant related to minor assault charges.
What has been the public reaction to Judge Dugan's arrest?
The public reaction includes concerns about potential federal overreach, with some officials emphasizing the importance of due process for Judge Dugan.