In a stunning turn of events, Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan was arrested by the FBI on April 25, 2025, for allegedly obstructing an immigration arrest operation. The arrest has raised eyebrows and sparked discussions about the intersection of judicial responsibilities and immigration enforcement.
Judge Dugan, 65, faces two felony charges: obstructing and impeding a proceeding before a department or agency of the United States and concealing an individual to prevent his discovery and arrest. These charges stem from her actions related to Eduardo Flores Ruiz, an undocumented immigrant who was present in her courtroom for a pre-trial conference on April 18, 2025.
FBI Director Kash Patel announced the arrest in a social media post, stating, "Just NOW, the FBI arrested Judge Hannah Dugan out of Milwaukee, Wisconsin on charges of obstruction — after evidence of Judge Dugan obstructing an immigration arrest operation last week." Patel later deleted the post but reaffirmed that Judge Dugan intentionally misdirected federal agents away from Flores-Ruiz, allowing him to evade arrest.
According to the criminal complaint, Dugan became visibly angry upon learning that ICE officers were in her courtroom to arrest Flores-Ruiz. Witnesses reported that she confronted the officers, questioning whether they had a judicial warrant, which they did not, as they only held an administrative warrant. Following this confrontation, she allegedly escorted Flores-Ruiz and his attorney out of the courtroom through a door typically reserved for jurors, leading them to a non-public area of the courthouse.
Flores-Ruiz, who was charged with three misdemeanor counts of battery related to a domestic violence incident, was ultimately apprehended after fleeing the courthouse. The incident has drawn attention not only for the actions of Judge Dugan but also for the ongoing tensions between local jurisdictions and federal immigration enforcement.
At her brief court appearance, Dugan was released on her own recognizance. Her attorney, Craig Mastantuono, expressed that Judge Dugan "wholeheartedly protests the arrest and believes it was not made in the interests of public safety." He emphasized that the judge's actions were mischaracterized and that she did not intend to obstruct justice.
Flores-Ruiz, a 30-year-old Mexican immigrant, is currently in ICE custody and has a history of entering the U.S. illegally. He was previously issued an Expedited Removal order in January 2013. The charges against him include three counts of misdemeanor battery, which carry a maximum penalty of nine months in jail and a $10,000 fine.
The arrest of Judge Dugan marks a significant moment in the ongoing debate over immigration policy and the role of the judiciary. This incident is reminiscent of previous cases where local officials faced federal scrutiny for their handling of immigration enforcement. In 2019, a Massachusetts judge was charged with obstruction for allegedly helping an undocumented immigrant evade arrest, a case that drew widespread criticism and was later dropped under the Biden administration.
As the legal community responds to Judge Dugan's arrest, prominent figures have voiced their concerns. Franklyn Gimbel, a well-known Milwaukee defense attorney, described the arrest as "outrageous," arguing that a judge should not be treated like a common criminal and that more professional protocols should have been followed.
The implications of this case extend beyond Judge Dugan herself, as it highlights the broader conflicts between state and federal authorities regarding immigration enforcement. With the current administration's emphasis on cracking down on local officials who obstruct federal operations, this incident may set a precedent for how similar cases are handled in the future.
As the legal proceedings unfold, Judge Dugan is scheduled to return to court on May 15, 2025. Her future on the bench remains uncertain, and the impact of her arrest will likely reverberate throughout the judicial system and beyond.
In the meantime, the Milwaukee community watches closely, as this story continues to develop and the ramifications of Dugan's actions are scrutinized from all angles.
