Judge Dugan Suspended Amid Federal Immigration Charges \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ The Wisconsin Supreme Court suspended Judge Hannah Dugan after her arrest for allegedly helping a defendant evade ICE agents. She faces two federal charges and is temporarily barred from her judicial duties. Her legal team maintains her innocence and plans to fight the charges in court.
Quick Looks
- Judge Hannah Dugan suspended by Wisconsin’s highest court amid federal charges.
- She is accused of shielding a man sought by ICE agents.
- The FBI arrested Dugan at the Milwaukee County courthouse.
- The court acted unilaterally, citing public confidence in the judiciary.
- A reserve judge has been assigned to cover her courtroom duties.
- Federal charges include obstruction and harboring a fugitive.
- Dugan’s attorneys vow to prove her innocence.
- Her arraignment is scheduled for May 15.
Deep Look
The Wisconsin Supreme Court on Tuesday suspended Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan, days after she was arrested and charged with allegedly helping a man evade federal immigration enforcement agents in her courtroom. The court said her suspension is in the public interest while she faces federal prosecution.
In a brief, two-page order, the court — which has a 4-3 liberal majority — issued the suspension unprompted, stating it was necessary to maintain public confidence in the state judiciary. No formal complaint or request had been made; the justices acted on their own.
“Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah C. Dugan is temporarily prohibited from exercising the powers of a circuit court judge in the state of Wisconsin,” the order reads, adding the suspension will remain in place until further notice.
FBI Arrest and Federal Charges
Judge Dugan was taken into federal custody last Friday by FBI agents at the Milwaukee County Courthouse. She faces two criminal counts:
- Concealing an individual to prevent arrest, and
- Obstructing or impeding a federal proceeding.
The charges stem from an incident involving Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, a man federal authorities say was in the U.S. illegally after a 2013 deportation. According to the FBI affidavit, Dugan allegedly took extraordinary steps to prevent ICE agents from arresting Flores-Ruiz after learning of their presence in the courthouse.
Documents indicate that a clerk notified Dugan that immigration enforcement officers were in the building. Dugan reportedly became “visibly angry,” retreated to her chambers, and then confronted federal officers with another judge. After a heated exchange over the legality of the arrest, Dugan allegedly escorted Flores-Ruiz and his lawyer through a restricted jury door, which was not accessible to non-custodial defendants or attorneys.
Federal agents apprehended Flores-Ruiz outside the courthouse after a foot chase.
Defense and Legal Team Response
Dugan’s attorneys released a statement expressing disappointment over the court’s decision to suspend her before the charges were adjudicated.
“We are disappointed that the Court acted in unilateral fashion. We continue to assert Judge Dugan’s innocence and look forward to her vindication in court.”
Her legal defense team includes prominent attorneys:
- Craig Mastantuono, a respected Milwaukee defense lawyer
- Paul Clement, a former U.S. solicitor general and well-known conservative attorney
- Steve Biskupic, former U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin under President George W. Bush
They are expected to mount a strong defense as Dugan faces an arraignment hearing on May 15.
Political Reactions and Public Protest
Dugan’s arrest has stirred outrage among Democrats and immigrant rights advocates, who accuse the Trump administration of targeting a judge in an effort to intimidate the judiciary and chill judicial independence.
Over the weekend, protesters gathered outside the FBI’s Milwaukee field office, condemning the arrest as a politically motivated overreach. Some Democratic lawmakers have questioned the optics of arresting a sitting judge and whether federal agents followed appropriate protocols.
“This feels more like a message than a legal action,” one protester said during Saturday’s demonstration.
Background and Judicial Conduct
Judge Dugan has served on the bench since 2016 and is known for her work in civil rights and community advocacy. Her defenders say she acted out of concern for due process and justice, not to obstruct law enforcement.
However, the FBI affidavit paints a different picture. Witnesses described her demeanor as “confrontational and angry,” and court officials said her use of a nonpublic courtroom door was a significant breach of protocol.
The affidavit also states that only deputies, jurors, court staff, and in-custody defendants are typically allowed to access the area where Dugan allegedly led Flores-Ruiz and his attorney.
A reserve judge began presiding over her caseload Monday, and will continue indefinitely while the suspension remains in effect.
What Comes Next?
With her arraignment set for May 15, the next few weeks will be critical. If convicted, Dugan could face serious penalties, including potential prison time and the permanent loss of her judicial seat.
However, her legal team is preparing for an aggressive defense and has emphasized that the facts will prove her actions were not criminal.
The case will also be closely watched for its broader implications — not just for Dugan’s career, but for the balance of power between federal immigration enforcement and local judicial authority, especially in an election year where immigration remains a hot-button issue.
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