Judge Suspended After Accusations of Helping Migrant Evade Deportation

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A Wisconsin judge faces suspension and potential prison time after allegedly helping an illegal immigrant evade federal immigration authorities in a courthouse scheme that ended in a foot chase.

Key Takeaways

Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan was suspended by the Wisconsin Supreme Court after being charged with obstruction by the FBI.
Dugan allegedly concealed a Mexican national with pending misdemeanor charges and a prior deportation record in her courthouse to prevent his arrest by ICE agents.
The judge reportedly escorted the immigrant through non-public areas of the courthouse, leading to a foot chase before federal agents captured him.
If convicted, Dugan faces up to 15 years in prison, and the case has sparked political division in Wisconsin amid the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement policies.

Wisconsin Supreme Court Takes Swift Action

The Wisconsin Supreme Court has temporarily suspended Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan following her arrest on charges of helping an illegal immigrant evade deportation. The court’s decision came shortly after the FBI charged Dugan with obstruction for allegedly aiding Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, a Mexican national wanted for three misdemeanor battery charges who had previously been deported from the United States in 2013.

The state’s highest court determined that suspending Dugan was necessary to maintain public confidence in Wisconsin’s judicial system. In its order, the court emphasized that the suspension is administrative rather than disciplinary, and Dugan will continue to receive her salary during this period. Chief Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Carl Ashley has announced that a reserve judge will handle Dugan’s caseload while the criminal proceedings unfold.

Wisconsin Supreme Court temporarily suspends judge accused of helping a migrant evade immigration authorities https://t.co/4oZXxhJCIm

— The Hill (@thehill) April 30, 2025

The Courthouse Incident

According to federal authorities, Dugan confronted ICE agents who arrived at her courthouse to arrest Flores-Ruiz on April 25, 2025. An FBI affidavit claims that Dugan appeared visibly upset when the agents arrived and initially demanded they leave the premises. When they refused, she allegedly directed them to the Chief Judge’s office while she escorted Flores-Ruiz and his attorney through a non-public area of the courthouse in an apparent attempt to help him evade federal custody.

“In the exercise of that constitutional authority and in order to uphold the public confidence in the court of this state during the pendency of the criminal proceeding against Judge Dugan, we conclude on our own motion that it is the public interest that she be temporarily relieved of her official duty,” the state Supreme Court stated in its decision.

The federal complaint details that “a foot chase ensued” as Flores-Ruiz attempted to flee the courthouse, but he was ultimately captured by ICE agents. FBI Director Kash Patel criticized Dugan’s actions, stating that her obstruction “created increased danger to the public.” Flores-Ruiz is currently being held in federal custody at the Ozaukee County Jail as the case proceeds.

Legal Defense and Political Reactions

Dugan appeared in court following her arrest and was released from custody pending an arraignment scheduled for May 15, 2025. Her legal team has vigorously contested the charges, with her attorney Craig Mastantuono stating that “Judge Dugan wholeheartedly regrets and protests her arrest. It was not made in the interest of public safety.” Her defense team has also criticized the Wisconsin Supreme Court for acting “in unilateral fashion” by suspending her.

“Thankfully our agents chased down the perp on foot and he’s been in custody since, but the Judge’s obstruction created increased danger to the public,” said FBI Director Kash Patel regarding the incident.

The case has triggered significant political division in Wisconsin. Republican lawmakers have discussed the possibility of removing Dugan from office, while Democrats have criticized the Trump administration’s approach to courthouse arrests. Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers emphasized the principle of presumed innocence and expressed concerns about the administration’s rhetoric toward the judiciary. Meanwhile, Republican Senator John Cornyn voiced support for immigration law enforcement and the investigation of officials who obstruct federal authorities.

National Immigration Enforcement Context

The incident occurs amid President Trump’s renewed focus on immigration enforcement following his 2024 election victory. The case draws parallels to a similar situation in 2019 involving Massachusetts Judge Shelley Joseph, who faced comparable charges for allegedly helping an immigrant evade ICE detention. Legal experts note that Dugan’s case highlights the growing tension between federal immigration policies and local judicial authorities.

If convicted on all charges, Dugan could face up to 15 years in prison and fines of $350,000. The obstruction charges represent one of the most severe legal actions taken against a sitting judge in Wisconsin history. As the case proceeds toward the May 15 arraignment, it continues to draw national attention as a flashpoint in the ongoing debate over immigration enforcement under the Trump administration.