In a dramatic escalation of tensions between the judiciary and the Trump administration, Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan was arrested on April 25, 2025, amid allegations that she obstructed federal immigration officers from arresting an undocumented immigrant in her courtroom. This incident has ignited a firestorm of political backlash and raised serious questions about judicial independence in the face of executive power.
Judge Dugan's arrest came just one week after she allegedly helped Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, a Mexican national facing misdemeanor battery charges, evade capture by federal agents. According to the criminal complaint, on April 18, six federal officers arrived at the Milwaukee County Courthouse to arrest Flores-Ruiz, who was present for a hearing. Upon learning of the agents' presence, Dugan reportedly expressed her anger and directed the defendant and his attorney to exit through a side door, circumventing the agents waiting outside.
The FBI's swift action against Dugan has drawn sharp criticism from Democratic leaders, who view it as a politically motivated attack on the judiciary. U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi defended the arrest, stating it sends a "strong message" that judges who obstruct justice will be held accountable. Bondi appeared on Fox News shortly after Dugan's arrest, declaring, "Nobody is above the law. Not even a judge." This sentiment was echoed by FBI Director Kash Patel, who posted a photo of Dugan in handcuffs on social media, captioned: "No one is above the law."
The charges against Dugan include obstructing a proceeding before a federal agency and concealing an individual to prevent his arrest. Critics argue that the administration's tactics, including the arrest of a sitting judge, undermine the rule of law and intimidate other judges who might be hesitant to rule against the government's immigration policies. J. Michael Luttig, a former U.S. appeals court judge, remarked that the arrest is intended to intimidate judges nationwide.
Judge Dugan, 65, has a long history of serving low-income clients and was elected to the bench in 2016. She ran unopposed for re-election in 2022, with her current term set to end in 2028. Following her arrest, she was released on her own recognizance, and her legal team has vowed to contest the charges. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for May 15, 2025.
The incident has sparked protests in Wisconsin, with hundreds gathering to express their outrage outside an FBI building in St. Francis. Activists and community leaders have voiced concerns that such aggressive actions by federal law enforcement will deter undocumented individuals from participating in legal proceedings, further complicating the justice system.
Flores-Ruiz, who was at the courthouse for a hearing related to battery charges stemming from a domestic incident, has a complicated legal history. He was previously deported from the U.S. in 2013 and faces additional charges for illegal re-entry. His attorney, Martin Pruhs, noted that Flores-Ruiz had been living in Milwaukee and working as a cook for over a decade without a criminal record prior to the recent misdemeanor charges.
As the fallout from Dugan's arrest continues, both Republican and Democratic lawmakers are weighing in. Wisconsin's Governor Tony Evers condemned the FBI's actions as an overreach of executive power, emphasizing the importance of judicial independence. He stated, "In this country, people who are suspected of criminal wrongdoing are innocent until their guilt is proven beyond reasonable doubt." Meanwhile, Republican representatives have called for Dugan's removal, framing her actions as a direct affront to federal law enforcement.
Democratic Senator Tammy Baldwin highlighted the implications of Dugan's arrest, asserting that it threatens the fundamental democratic values upheld in the United States. Baldwin remarked, "Make no mistake, we do not have kings in this country ... By relentlessly attacking the judicial system, flouting court orders, and arresting a sitting judge, this president is putting those basic Democratic values that Wisconsinites hold dear on the line."
In the broader context, Dugan's arrest reflects ongoing tensions between the Trump administration and the judiciary, particularly regarding immigration enforcement. Legal experts have noted that the administration's aggressive stance toward judges who rule against its policies has created a climate of fear and uncertainty within the judicial system. Charles Geyh, a law professor, described the situation as an attempt to coerce judges and weaken the judiciary's role as a check on executive power.
As the legal proceedings against Dugan unfold, many are left questioning the future of judicial independence in the face of increasing executive overreach. The implications of this case extend beyond Wisconsin, potentially affecting how judges across the nation approach their responsibilities amid a politically charged climate. The arrest of Judge Dugan serves as a stark reminder of the delicate balance between law enforcement and judicial authority in the United States.
In the wake of Dugan's arrest, the Milwaukee city council and local leaders have expressed their concerns about the weaponization of federal law enforcement against immigrant communities. They argue that such aggressive tactics not only undermine the rule of law but also threaten the safety and security of vulnerable populations seeking justice.
As the nation watches closely, the ramifications of this case will likely reverberate through the courts, shaping the future of immigration policy and the relationship between federal authorities and the judiciary. With a preliminary hearing on the horizon, all eyes will be on how this unprecedented situation unfolds in the coming weeks.
