Wisconsin Judge Pleads Not Guilty to Charges of Obstructing Federal Agents

This week, Judge Hannah C. Dugan claimed that she has immunity from prosecution after being charged by a federal grand jury.

In Milwaukee, State Judge Hannah C. Dugan allegedly hampered immigration authorities at a courthouse last month. During a succinct federal court session on Thursday morning, she entered a plea of not guilty.

According to prosecuting attorneys, Judge Dugan is accused of infringing federal regulations by advising an undocumented individual, targeted by immigration officials, to depart her courtroom through a different exit. The grand jury indictment came on Tuesday, and she is seeking to have these charges dismissed, arguing her actions are shielded by judicial immunity.

In the courtroom, Judge Dugan, accompanied by her attorney who formally submitted the plea on her behalf, remained seated.

Public Reaction Outside the Courthouse

Outside the central courthouse, demonstrators gathered with placards, vocalizing support with chants of “Hands Off Judge Dugan.” Milwaukee police forces cordoned off a section of the street to accommodate the protestors.

Christine Neumann-Ortiz, representing Voces de la Frontera, an advocacy group for immigrant rights based in Milwaukee, addressed the assembly saying, “This is about more than just one judge. It's a strategy meant to dissuade.”

Courtroom Proceedings

Inside, the atmosphere was notably more subdued. Judge Dugan arrived at the compact, full courtroom roughly ten minutes ahead of her scheduled appearance. Before the proceedings, she exchanged pleasantries with a federal prosecutor and spoke quietly with her legal team. Throughout the official hearing conducted by a magistrate judge, Dugan remained silent.