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Wisc Judge Resigns After Conviction for Helping Illegal Alien Escape Arrest: What Happened, Why It Matters, and What Comes Next
In early January 2026, Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan resigned from the bench after being convicted of felony obstruction in a highly unusual and controversial case that captivated national attention. At the heart of the matter was a confrontational incident in her courtroom involving federal immigration agents attempting to arrest an undocumented immigrant — and Dugan’s response that ultimately led to her downfall.
What makes this story so fascinating — and so consequential — is that it raises questions about judicial independence, the limits of judicial discretion, federal immigration enforcement authority, and public trust in the courts. This blog post explores the full arc of events, the legal framework behind the charges, the political response, and the broader implications for the U.S. justice system.
How It All Began: The 2025 Courthouse Incident
The story dates back to April 18, 2025, when Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents planned to arrest a Mexican national, Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, at the Milwaukee County Courthouse. Flores-Ruiz was in Dugan’s courtroom for a misdemeanor battery charge when ICE arrived to take him into custody on immigration violation grounds.
According to federal authorities, upon seeing the agents waiting in the hallway, Dugan confronted them about whether they had a judicial warrant and, when agents confirmed they did not, directed Flores-Ruiz and his attorney to leave through a nonpublic exit — a route not normally available to the general public. This maneuver gave Flores-Ruiz the opportunity to evade immediate arrest, though he was later apprehended nearby.
That moment, which at face value might have seemed merely chaotic or unusual, triggered a federal investigation that culminated in Dugan’s indictment. Federal prosecutors charged her with obstructing an official proceeding — a felony — and concealing an individual to prevent arrest — a misdemeanor.
Arrest and Suspension
On April 25, 2025, Dugan was arrested by the FBI based on the allegations related to that incident. The Wisconsin Supreme Court swiftly responded by suspending her from judicial duties pending the proceedings, citing concerns about public confidence in the judiciary during the criminal case.
