In a dramatic escalation of the Trump administration's immigration enforcement efforts, Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan was arrested on April 25, 2025, charged with obstruction and concealing an individual. The charges stem from allegations that Dugan helped an undocumented immigrant evade arrest after he appeared in her courtroom just days prior.
The case centers around Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, a 30-year-old Mexican immigrant who was in Dugan's courtroom for a pre-trial conference on misdemeanor battery charges on April 18. According to federal officials, when an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) task force arrived at the Milwaukee County Courthouse to arrest Flores-Ruiz, Dugan allegedly misdirected the agents, allowing him to evade capture.
FBI Director Kash Patel announced the arrest on social media, stating, "We believe Judge Dugan intentionally misdirected federal agents away from the subject to be arrested in her courthouse, Eduardo Flores Ruiz, allowing the subject — an illegal alien — to evade arrest." This statement underscores the administration's aggressive stance on immigration enforcement, which has drawn sharp criticism from many Democrats.
Wisconsin Senator Tammy Baldwin described Dugan's arrest as "a gravely serious and drastic move" that threatens the constitutional separation of powers. Baldwin emphasized that the actions taken by the Trump administration are part of a broader pattern of undermining judicial authority. "In the United States, we have a system of checks and balances and separations of power for damn good reasons," she said.
Rep. Gwen Moore, who represents Milwaukee, echoed Baldwin's concerns, stating that the arrest had "all the hallmarks of overreach." Moore expressed alarm over what she characterized as the increasingly lawless actions of the Trump administration, particularly by ICE, which she accused of defying court orders.
In contrast, many Republicans applauded the arrest, framing it as a necessary measure to uphold the law. GOP Rep. Tom Tiffany, who is considering a run for governor in 2026, remarked on social media, "If you help illegal aliens evade arrest, you will be arrested." Freshman Republican Rep. Tony Wied called for Dugan to resign immediately, accusing her of actively breaking the law to protect undocumented immigrants.
Senator Ron Johnson, Wisconsin's top Republican, advised cooperation with federal law enforcement, stating, "I would advise everyone to cooperate with federal law enforcement and not endanger them and the public by obstructing their efforts to arrest criminals and illegal aliens." This sentiment reflects a growing divide between party lines in the state, with Republicans firmly supporting the administration's immigration policies.
During a brief hearing following her arrest, Dugan's attorney, Craig Mastantuono, defended her actions, stating, "Judge Dugan wholeheartedly regrets and protests her arrest. It was not made in the interest of public safety." Dugan was released on her own recognizance, with her next court appearance scheduled for May 15.
The controversy surrounding Dugan's arrest highlights the ongoing tensions between local officials and federal immigration authorities. The Trump administration has made it clear that it will pursue local officials who refuse to cooperate with its immigration enforcement agenda. A memo from the Department of Justice earlier this year instructed federal prosecutors to pursue charges against those who obstruct immigration enforcement.
Governor Tony Evers, a Democrat, criticized the administration's tactics without directly defending Dugan. He stated, "I will continue to put my faith in our justice system as this situation plays out in the court of law." Evers also condemned the administration's rhetoric, which he believes undermines the judiciary at all levels.
Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson joined the chorus of critics, labeling Dugan's arrest as "ham-handed" and more about political showboating than actual public safety. He emphasized that the focus should be on community safety rather than political agendas.
Dugan, 65, has a long history of public service, having previously worked for legal aid organizations and serving as the president of the Milwaukee Bar Association. Elected to the Circuit Court in 2016, she was re-elected in 2022 and has a term set to expire in 2028. Her supporters, including Milwaukee Alderman Peter Burgelis, have praised her for her integrity and dedication to justice.
As the situation unfolds, the arrest of Judge Hannah Dugan raises significant questions about the balance of power between state and federal authorities, the role of the judiciary in immigration enforcement, and the implications of such actions on local governance. With both sides of the political spectrum weighing in, the case is likely to remain a focal point of discussion in Wisconsin and beyond.
