Wisconsin Judge Facing Charges of Immigration Obstruction

A judge from Wisconsin, who serves at a county level, is scheduled to be arraigned following allegations that she aided an individual in dodging immigration enforcement during a federal operation at her courthouse.

Allegations Against Judge Dugan

In the month of April, Judge Hannah Dugan of the Milwaukee County Circuit Court was accused of deliberately diverting federal agents. They were attempting to detain an undocumented individual with a criminal case before Judge Dugan, intending to arrest him post-hearing.

The charges filed include concealing an individual to evade arrest and obstruction of justice. These charges were formally brought by a federal grand jury on Tuesday.

The Case Involving Eduardo Flores-Ruiz

Eduardo Flores-Ruiz remains in custody at an immigration facility. An FBI agent's affidavit details that Flores-Ruiz was deported in 2013 but returned to the U.S. illegally, later being accused of battery.

Following a match of fingerprints from his initial 2013 arrest to a recent case, authorities issued a warrant for his arrest and deportation.

Events at the Courthouse

Flores-Ruiz was due to stand before Judge Dugan for a criminal matter, while law enforcement personnel anticipated his arrest outside the courtroom on an administrative warrant.

According to reports, a woman took photographs of the arrest team before Flores-Ruiz and his legal representative entered the courtroom. It's alleged that these images were then shown to Judge Dugan, leading to her visible frustration.

Judge Dugan reportedly exited the courtroom bench, approached the arrest team in a public hall with another judge, and was described as upset and confrontational.

Controversial Actions

Witnesses testified that Judge Dugan instructed officers to consult with the courthouse's chief judge regarding the legitimacy of performing the arrest on-site. She also engaged with other officers present to execute Flores-Ruiz's arrest.

Subsequently, as Flores-Ruiz moved towards the public exit, Judge Dugan reportedly escorted him and his attorney through a restricted courthouse exit meant for jurors. This maneuver allowed them to bypass law enforcement waiting outside.

Ultimately, law enforcement caught up with Flores-Ruiz, leading to a chase that resulted in his capture outside the courthouse premises.

Defense and Legal Proceedings

Judge Dugan's legal representative, Craig Mastantuono, conveyed her claims of innocence and her anticipation of being exonerated in court.

Her defense has moved to dismiss the charges, arguing that her actions fall under her role as a judge, granting her immunity under law. They further claim the arrest violated the Tenth Amendment.

Judge Dugan was initially detained but has been released after a court appearance. Following her arrest, the Wisconsin Supreme Court temporarily suspended her, with her cases temporarily reassigned.

Having started her judgeship in 2016 and being re-elected unopposed in 2022, she has served the Milwaukee County Circuit Court since then.