Wisconsin Judge Indicted for Helping Undocumented Immigrant Evade ICE
By Todd Richmond
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A Milwaukee County Circuit Judge, Hannah Dugan, was indicted Tuesday for allegedly helping an undocumented man evade U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents during a domestic abuse hearing in her courtroom.
This legal showdown has intensified the ongoing clash between local authorities and the Trump administration over immigration enforcement policies. Critics argue that the administration is attempting to use Dugan’s case as a warning to discourage judicial resistance to its immigration crackdown. Dugan had been initially charged in April with concealing an individual to prevent arrest and obstruction of justice.
The decision to indict Dugan came after a federal grand jury reviewed the allegations, confirming sufficient probable cause. If convicted on both counts, she faces up to six years in prison. Dugan’s defense has stated that she maintains her innocence and looks forward to her day in court, with her scheduled plea hearing set for Thursday.
Prosecutors allege that Dugan escorted Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, an individual who had illegally reentered the U.S. after being deported in 2013, through a back door to evade ICE agents who were in the courthouse seeking his arrest. Court documents indicate that Dugan reacted angrily to the agents’ presence, which had been brought to her attention by her clerk. In a confrontational exchange, she allegedly demanded that ICE officials speak with the chief judge before leading Flores-Ruiz and his lawyer away.
The case echoes a previous incident involving a Massachusetts judge charged under similar circumstances, which was eventually dismissed. Dugan has since been suspended by the state Supreme Court to maintain public confidence in the judiciary, while a reserve judge has taken over her duties.
Note: The image is for illustrative purposes only and is not the original image associated with the presented article. Due to copyright reasons, we are unable to use the original images. However, you can still enjoy the accurate and up-to-date content and information provided.
