On Friday, April 25, 2025, the FBI arrested Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Hannah Dugan, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict between local authorities and federal immigration enforcement. Dugan faces serious charges for allegedly assisting an undocumented immigrant, Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, evade arrest by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents.
The incident, which has drawn national attention, occurred on April 18, 2025, when ICE agents arrived at the Milwaukee County Courthouse to detain Flores-Ruiz, a Mexican national who was scheduled for a court appearance on domestic violence charges. According to FBI Director Kash Patel, Dugan is accused of intentionally misdirecting federal agents away from Flores-Ruiz, thereby allowing him to escape.
Witnesses described Dugan as "visibly upset" and confrontational with the federal agents when they arrived at the courthouse. Court documents indicate that she had been alerted to the agents' presence by her clerk and expressed her discontent by calling the situation "absurd" before leaving the bench. Dugan reportedly instructed the agents to speak with the chief judge about the arrest warrant, which she claimed was not valid.
As the arrest team waited outside her courtroom, Dugan allegedly ushered Flores-Ruiz and his attorney through a jury door, a non-public exit typically reserved for jurors and court staff. This unusual action raised eyebrows, as defense attorneys and defendants not in custody generally do not use this exit.
After exiting the courthouse, Flores-Ruiz was spotted by a DEA agent who had remained behind. Upon being approached by federal agents, he attempted to flee, sparking a foot chase that ended with his apprehension just minutes later.
During her brief court appearance following her arrest, Dugan's attorney, Craig Mastantuono, stated that she "wholeheartedly regrets and protests her arrest," arguing that it was not made in the interest of public safety. Dugan was released from custody after the hearing and is scheduled to appear again in court on May 15, 2025.
The charges against Dugan include obstruction of a federal proceeding and concealing an individual to prevent his discovery and arrest. If convicted, she could face up to six years in prison. This case is particularly noteworthy as it highlights the increasing tensions between the Trump administration and local officials over immigration enforcement.
Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers criticized the Trump administration, asserting that it has used dangerous rhetoric to undermine the judiciary. He stated, "I have deep respect for the rule of law, our nation’s judiciary, and the importance of judges making decisions impartially without fear or favor." Evers expressed his confidence in the justice system as the case unfolds.
U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin also weighed in, calling Dugan's arrest a "gravely serious and drastic move" that threatens the separation of powers between the executive and judicial branches. Baldwin emphasized, "Make no mistake, we do not have kings in this country and we are a Democracy governed by laws that everyone must abide by."
Attorney General Pam Bondi defended the FBI's actions, stating that Dugan's conduct put the lives of law enforcement officers and citizens at risk. She remarked, "When someone obstructs justice by escorting a criminal defendant out a back door, it will not be tolerated." Bondi's comments underscore the administration's commitment to prosecuting local officials who impede federal immigration efforts.
The arrest of Judge Dugan is not an isolated incident. It echoes a previous case involving a Massachusetts judge who faced similar charges for aiding an undocumented immigrant. That case drew significant criticism from the legal community, who viewed it as politically motivated. Charges against the Massachusetts judge were ultimately dropped under the Biden administration.
The conflict over immigration enforcement has intensified in recent years, with the Trump administration urging local officials to cooperate fully with federal agents. In January 2025, the Justice Department issued a memorandum prioritizing investigations into state and local officials who obstruct federal functions, further escalating tensions.
As the legal proceedings against Judge Dugan unfold, many observers are concerned about the implications for judicial independence and the balance of power in the U.S. legal system. The National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers expressed alarm over the arrest, emphasizing that American democracy relies on the independence of the judiciary.
In the wake of Dugan's arrest, there are calls for scrutiny of the administration's tactics in dealing with local officials who resist federal immigration policies. As the situation develops, it remains to be seen how this case will impact the broader debate over immigration enforcement and the role of the judiciary in upholding the law.
