BY Benjamin ClarkMay 1, 2025
10 months ago
BY 
 | May 1, 2025
10 months ago

Wisconsin judge suspended amid charges of aiding ICE evasion

A tense confrontation at the Milwaukee County Courthouse leads to the suspension and arrest of Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan.

According to Breitbart, the Wisconsin Supreme Court suspended Judge Dugan after she was charged with two federal counts related to helping a man escape from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents at the courthouse.

The dramatic events unfolded on Friday when FBI agents took Judge Dugan into custody at the Milwaukee County Courthouse.

She faces serious allegations of concealing an individual to prevent his arrest and deliberately impeding official proceedings, charges that could have significant consequences for her judicial career.

Federal Investigation Reveals Judge's Alleged Actions

Court documents paint a detailed picture of Judge Dugan's involvement in helping Eduardo Flores-Ruiz evade ICE agents.

Her clerk initially alerted her to the presence of immigration officers in the courthouse hallway, information that reportedly came from an attorney's observation.

FBI investigators describe Judge Dugan as displaying visible anger upon learning about the ICE agents' presence. She allegedly termed the situation "absurd" before leaving her position on the bench and retreating to her chambers.

Witness accounts suggest she later confronted members of the arrest team alongside another judge, exhibiting what was described as confrontational behavior.

The situation escalated when Judge Dugan engaged in a heated discussion with officers regarding the warrant for Flores-Ruiz. She reportedly demanded they speak with the chief judge and deliberately led them away from the courtroom where the subject of their investigation remained.

Unusual Courthouse Escape Route Raises Questions

According to the FBI affidavit, Judge Dugan acted outside normal courthouse procedures after her encounter with ICE agents.

She first sent the agents to the chief judge’s office, then returned to her courtroom and is accused of helping Flores-Ruiz leave through an unusual exit route.

The FBI investigator stated that the back jury door was typically reserved for deputies, juries, court staff, and defendants in custody who were escorted by deputies. It was not used by defense attorneys or defendants who were not in custody.

These revelations have sparked intense debate about judicial conduct and immigration enforcement policies. Democrats have rallied behind Judge Dugan, organizing protests outside the FBI's Milwaukee field office on Saturday, claiming the arrest represents an attempt by the Trump administration to intimidate the judiciary.

High-Profile Legal Defense Team Assembles

Judge Dugan has assembled an impressive legal team to defend against the federal charges. Her representation includes Craig Mastantuono, prominent conservative attorney Paul Clement, and former U.S. Attorney Steve Biskupic, who served during President George W. Bush's administration.

The Wisconsin Supreme Court's suspension order reflects the gravity of the situation. The court, currently controlled by a 4-3 liberal majority, took the unusual step of acting on its own initiative rather than responding to an external request.

Their two-page order emphasized the need to maintain public confidence in the state's judicial system during the criminal proceedings.

Case Outcome Pending Federal Court Appearance

Judge Hannah Dugan's arrest has created ripples throughout Wisconsin's legal community. The Milwaukee County Circuit Court has already arranged for a reserve judge to take over her duties indefinitely, beginning Monday.

She is scheduled to appear for arraignment on May 15, where she will face the formal charges of concealing an individual to prevent his discovery and arrest, as well as obstructing or impeding a proceeding. The case has drawn significant attention from both immigration advocates and judicial oversight groups.

Written by: Benjamin Clark
Benjamin Clark delivers clear, concise reporting on today’s biggest political stories.

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