Milwaukee County Judge Hannah Dugan’s trial, Dugan was indicted for allegedly obstructing a ICE immigration arrest, has been temporarily removed from the court calendar. A federal judge will first review Dugan’s motion to dismiss the case entirely.
Dugan, who faces two federal charges, is accused of helping an illegal immigrant evade arrest by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. The charges carry a potential sentence of up to six years in prison and fines totaling $350,000.
Last month, Dugan’s attorneys filed a motion to dismiss the case just one day after a grand jury indicted her. They argue that her actions are protected under the 10th Amendment and fall under official judicial duties, claiming she is shielded by judicial immunity.
The case stems from an incident in April when ICE agents attempted to arrest Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, an illegal alien with a record of domestic violence, outside a courtroom where Dugan was presiding. According to the FBI, Judge Dugan became irate when she discovered the arrest operation was underway and took deliberate steps to interfere.
NEW: video evidence released from the Milwaukee County courthouse on April 18th—radical Judge Hannah Dugan, charged with obstructing a federal investigation to help a “Milwaukee man”, AKA Illegal Alien Eduardo Flores-Ruiz evade ICE Agents lawful arrest.
— Dapper Detective (@Dapper_Det) May 22, 2025
No one is above the law. pic.twitter.com/11T7ILG5N6
Federal authorities say she instructed Flores-Ruiz to exit the building through a restricted jury door—an exit not typically used by defendants. Her alleged interference allowed Flores-Ruiz to temporarily avoid arrest.
FBI Director Kash Patel condemned Dugan’s actions, stating, “Judge Dugan intentionally misdirected federal officers away from their target and endangered federal agents by obstructing the lawful arrest of an illegal immigrant with a violent background.”
Security footage released last month shows Dugan in her judicial robes confronting plainclothes ICE agents in the courthouse hallway. Moments later, Flores-Ruiz and his attorney are seen using the unauthorized exit. ICE agents are then shown sprinting into the street, pursuing and eventually apprehending Flores-Ruiz.
The criminal complaint outlines how Dugan allegedly intimidated agents and helped the illegal immigrant escape custody, raising serious concerns about her impartiality and respect for federal law.
With the trial now paused, all eyes are on the judge’s ruling regarding the motion to dismiss. If denied, Dugan will face federal prosecution in what is shaping up to be a high-profile clash over immigration enforcement and judicial conduct.