Wisconsin Judge Temporarily Removed from Position Amid Federal Immigration Allegations

The Wisconsin Supreme Court has taken the decision to suspend Judge Hanna Dugan, following allegations of her involvement in assisting an individual to avoid immigration enforcement.

Last Friday morning, FBI agents apprehended Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Hanna Dugan at the courthouse. She is facing serious federal allegations, including charges of concealing an individual to thwart and obstruct justice.

The state’s Supreme Court, in a two-page declaration, stated that they initiated this action independently, not prompted by external requests. The court's liberal majority, comprising four of the seven justices, opted for this course to preserve public trust in the legal system while the criminal proceedings are active.

According to the ruling, it was deemed prudent to temporarily relieve Judge Dugan of her responsibilities to maintain public confidence in the court system.

When contacted by The Associated Press, Judge Dugan's attorney refrained from making any immediate public statements.

FBI's Director Kash Patel has recently stated that Judge Dugan allegedly diverted federal agents away from Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, the individual in question, who was subsequently apprehended and is currently in custody.

Charged with two instances of obstruction, Dugan was freed from custody last week after an initial court appearance at the federal level.

Acknowledging the presence of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials in pursuit of an arrest, Dugan is said to have guided the individual and his attorney through non-public routes in the courthouse.

Court records indicate that her court clerk alerted Judge Dugan to the federal agents’ proximity, leading to her visibly agitated reaction regarding their presence.

An FBI report details how Judge Dugan, visibly angered by the agents’ arrival, left her position in the courtroom and retreated to her office. She, along with another judge, reportedly confronted the arrest team with what witnesses described as an aggressive tone.

The affidavit describes how, following exchanges with the officers about Flores-Ruiz’s warrant, she insisted they engage with the chief judge and guided them away from the active courtroom.

After leading agents to the chief judge’s location, Dugan was observed reentering the courtroom to clandestinely escort Flores-Ruiz and his lawyer through areas normally restricted, displaying unusual behavior by using special courthouse passages reserved for court personnel and detained individuals.

This incident has garnered strong reactions, particularly amongst Democratic circles who accuse the Trump administration of using intimidating tactics against the judiciary. On Saturday, demonstrations were held outside the FBI’s office in Milwaukee, protesting Dugan's arrest.

Judge Dugan’s arraignment is scheduled to take place on May 15.