A federal grand jury has indicted Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan on charges of obstruction and concealing an individual to prevent arrest. Prosecutors alleged that on April 18, Dugan helped Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, a man facing deportation, avoid arrest by directing him and his attorney to exit through a non-public jury door at the Milwaukee County Courthouse.
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Milwaukee County Judge Hannah Dugan has been indicted on two federal counts: obstruction and concealing an individual to prevent arrest.
Federal agents later apprehended Flores-Ruiz following a foot chase outside the building.
The indictment accused Dugan of misleading federal agents by claiming they needed a judicial warrant rather than an administrative one to take Flores-Ruiz into custody. Dugan allegedly expedited Flores-Ruiz’s case off the record and directed him to leave through a restricted exit while most agents diverted to the chief judge’s office.
What are the specific charges and penalties?
The indictment, issued Tuesday, May 13, by a federal grand jury in Wisconsin, charged Dugan with two federal offenses: obstructing or impeding a proceeding before a U.S. agency and concealing an individual to prevent arrest. These charges carry a combined maximum penalty of six years in prison and up to $350,000 in fines.
Although federal sentencing in nonviolent offenses typically results in shorter prison terms, the legal proceedings remain active. Dugan will enter her plea in U.S. District Court on May 15.
What happened during the incident with Flores-Ruiz?
According to court documents, federal agents from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrived at the courthouse on April 18 to arrest Flores-Ruiz, who had returned to the United States illegally after his 2013 deportation. He was scheduled to appear in court that day on misdemeanor domestic abuse charges.
The complaint alleges that Dugan’s court clerk was alerted to the agents’ presence by Flores-Ruiz’s attorney, who had photographed members of the arrest team and notified court staff. Dugan then confronted the agents, challenged the validity of their warrant and directed them to the office of the county’s chief judge.
While the agents were away, Dugan allegedly cleared Flores-Ruiz’s hearing and told his attorney he could attend future proceedings via Zoom. The pair exited through a secure door typically used only by staff, jurors and in-custody defendants. However, one federal agent remained nearby and followed them out. Authorities arrested Flores-Ruiz shortly after on a nearby street corner.
What has been the response from officials and the public?
Following Dugan’s arrest on April 25, the Wisconsin Supreme Court suspended her from the bench, citing the need to preserve public confidence in the judiciary. A reserve judge has taken over her duties.
Dugan, who has served as a circuit judge since 2016, maintains her innocence. Her legal team said she looks forward to clearing her name in court.
The case has intensified tensions between local governments and the Trump administration over immigration enforcement. Critics argued that ICE arrests near courthouses deter people from participating in the legal system, especially victims of violence or tenants asserting their rights.
Milwaukee County Board officials passed a nonbinding resolution opposing federal immigration actions in and around local courthouse facilities.
Federal authorities, including the FBI and U.S. Attorney’s Office, defended the arrest strategy, noting that courthouses offer a secure and predictable location to detain individuals without escalating risk.
What happens next in the case?
Dugan will appear in federal court this week for a preliminary hearing. Flores-Ruiz remains in federal custody and awaits a new public defender. No other individuals have been charged in connection with the incident, though multiple court staff and attorneys testified before the grand jury.
U.S. District Judge Lynn Adelman will oversee the case going forward.
contributed to this report.
