A Milwaukee judge’s shocking decision to hide an illegal immigrant from federal agents has landed her in handcuffs and off the bench.
On Friday, Milwaukee Circuit Court Judge Hannah Dugan was arrested for allegedly obstructing federal agents and concealing a person to evade arrest. Her actions have sparked outrage, particularly given the violent nature of the individual she protected.
Fox News reported that the Wisconsin Supreme Court swiftly suspended Dugan on Tuesday, barring her from judicial duties until further notice, following her arrest for shielding Mexican national Eduardo Flores-Ruiz from ICE agents.
This incident unfolded after Flores-Ruiz’s court appearance on April 18 for misdemeanor battery charges. Dugan’s caseload is now being handled by other judges, with no return date set for her.
Flores-Ruiz, a previously deported illegal immigrant, faced charges for brutally assaulting two people, leaving them hospitalized. On April 18, federal agents from multiple agencies, including ICE and the FBI, waited to apprehend him after his court hearing. Dugan, however, allegedly took deliberate steps to thwart their efforts.
During the April 18 hearing, Dugan reportedly demanded that federal agents go to the chief judge’s office. After the hearing, she escorted Flores-Ruiz and his attorney through a restricted jury door. This move allowed them to bypass the public area where agents were stationed, delaying his arrest.
The FBI apprehended Dugan on Friday, accusing her of hiding Flores-Ruiz in her jury room to prevent his capture by ICE.
She now faces serious federal charges, including felony obstruction of a federal agency and misdemeanor concealing a person to avoid arrest. Her federal court appearance is scheduled for May 15.
Dugan’s attorney, Craig Mastantuono, claimed the arrest was not in the interest of public safety and expressed her regret. “Judge Dugan wholeheartedly regrets and protests her arrest,” Mastantuono said. He offered no further details on her defense.
Flores-Ruiz’s alleged crimes were particularly heinous, intensifying scrutiny of Dugan’s actions. He reportedly beat a man 30 times, choked him, and knocked him to the ground, while also assaulting a woman. Both victims required hospital treatment due to the severity of their injuries.
Attorney General Pam Bondi condemned Dugan’s interference, emphasizing the gravity of the domestic violence case. “You cannot obstruct a criminal case,” Bondi said. She added, “Shame on her,” noting Dugan’s apparent prioritization of a criminal defendant over victims.
Bondi expressed disbelief at Dugan’s conduct, stating, “We could not believe that a judge did that.” Her remarks underscore the broader concern that judicial misconduct undermines public trust. The case has fueled calls for stricter accountability in the judiciary.
Dugan appeared in federal court in Milwaukee on Friday, remaining silent during the brief hearing. She later disputed local media reports, telling the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, “Nearly every fact ... is inaccurate.” However, she provided no specifics to clarify her stance.
The Wisconsin Court System confirmed on Tuesday that Dugan’s absence from the bench is indefinite. Other judges have been assigned to cover her cases, ensuring no disruption to the court’s operations. This administrative move reflects the seriousness of the allegations against her.
The incident has reignited debates over immigration enforcement and judicial overreach. Dugan’s alleged decision to shield an illegal immigrant with a violent record has drawn sharp criticism from law enforcement advocates. Many argue that such actions embolden criminal behavior and erode public safety.
Bondi’s description of Flores-Ruiz’s violence—beating a man 30 times and injuring a woman—highlights the stakes of Dugan’s interference. “They both had to go to the hospital,” Bondi said, emphasizing the victims’ suffering. Her comments reflect growing frustration with officials who appear to prioritize ideology over justice.
The Wisconsin Supreme Court’s order ensures Dugan cannot exercise judicial powers pending further review. This suspension aims to maintain public confidence in the judiciary amid the scandal. It also signals a zero-tolerance approach to such alleged misconduct.