FBI agents arrested a Milwaukee judge for allegedly helping an illegal immigrant evade immigration authorities. On April 25, 2025, Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Hannah Dugan faced charges after a courtroom incident that sparked outrage among conservative voices.
The Daily Caller reported that on April 18, 2025, Dugan was overseeing a domestic violence case involving Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, a Mexican illegal immigrant, when FBI and ICE agents arrived to detain him, prompting her to allegedly obstruct their efforts and escort Flores-Ruiz to safety, leading to her arrest a week later.
Sawyer County Circuit Court Judge Monica Isham, in response, threatened to shut down her courtroom, citing a lack of support and concerns over due process. Isham’s fiery email to state judges has fueled debates about judicial conduct and immigration enforcement.
The incident began during Flores-Ruiz’s hearing in Dugan’s Milwaukee courtroom. ICE and FBI agents entered to arrest him after the hearing. Dugan, visibly upset, called the agents’ presence “absurd” and directed them to the chief judge.
Instead of complying, Dugan allegedly led Flores-Ruiz and his attorney through a restricted “jury door” to a private courthouse area. This move reportedly prevented an immediate arrest. The prosecutor later discovered the case had been adjourned.
Flores-Ruiz attempted to flee but was apprehended by ICE outside the courthouse. Dugan now faces two serious charges: obstructing an immigration arrest and concealing a suspect. Her actions have drawn sharp criticism for undermining federal law enforcement.
Conservatives argue Dugan’s conduct reflects a broader trend of activist judges prioritizing illegal immigrants over American safety. The incident highlights tensions between state courts and federal immigration policies. Many see this as a blatant abuse of judicial power.
On April 26, 2025, Sawyer County Judge Monica Isham sent a scathing email to state judges. She condemned Dugan’s arrest as an attack on judicial integrity. Isham, a trailblazing Native American judge, declared, “Enough is enough.”
Isham, the first woman and minority to serve as a Sawyer County circuit judge, expressed personal grievances. She claimed to have faced workplace discrimination since January 20, 2025. Her email suggested a judiciary under siege.
Isham vowed not to allow ICE to remove anyone from her courtroom without due process. She referenced “concentration camps” in a provocative statement. This rhetoric has alarmed those who support strong immigration enforcement.
Isham threatened to suspend court operations in Sawyer County’s Branch 2. She cited a lack of guidance and support for judges. “I will not put myself or my staff in harm’s way,” she wrote.
Her stance has raised concerns about judicial impartiality. Critics argue Isham’s comments politicize the bench and erode public trust. Supporters, however, see her as defending constitutional protections.
Isham’s identity as a Lac Courte Oreilles Band member adds complexity to the story. As the first LCO member to serve as a Wisconsin circuit judge, her perspective carries weight. Yet, her defiance risks escalating tensions.
The arrests and Isham’s response have ignited a firestorm in Wisconsin’s legal community. Many conservatives view Dugan’s actions as a symptom of woke ideology infiltrating the courts. They demand accountability for judges who flout federal law.
Isham’s claim of feeling unprotected as a judge resonates with some but alarms others. Her reference to workplace discrimination hints at deeper systemic issues. However, her refusal to cooperate with ICE is seen as defiance of federal authority.