A federal jury in Milwaukee found Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Hannah Dugan guilty of a felony obstruction charge for interfering with federal immigration agents attempting to execute an arrest warrant at a courthouse earlier this year. The jury acquitted Dugan on a separate misdemeanor count of concealing an individual to prevent arrest. After about six hours of deliberation, the panel returned a mixed verdict that leaves Dugan facing up to five years in prison, with sentencing yet to be scheduled.
The case centered on an April 18 incident involving Eduardo Flores Ruiz, an undocumented immigrant due to appear in Dugan’s courtroom on a misdemeanor domestic assault charge. Prosecutors said Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents were present to arrest him on an immigration warrant for illegal reentry. They alleged Dugan questioned the agents’ authority, delayed their efforts, and later informed defense counsel of the agents’ presence, allowing Flores Ruiz to exit through a restricted back door. He was ultimately arrested outside the courthouse and later deported.
Dugan’s defense argued she acted within her judicial role and followed courthouse protocols, prioritizing order and safety rather than obstruction. While the jury rejected that defense on the felony count, it acquitted her of concealment. Prosecutors said the case was not political, while federal officials emphasized accountability under the law. Following her arrest and release, the Wisconsin Supreme Court suspended Dugan with pay. A felony conviction makes her ineligible to hold judicial office as appeals proceed.