Wisconsin judge faces federal charges for aiding illegal immigrant

In Wisconsin, Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan was arrested and subsequently charged with obstructing federal authorities in mid-April 2025. The charges stem from her alleged actions to aid an undocumented immigrant, Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, during a court hearing related to a domestic violence case. On April 18, as U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents arrived to detain Flores-Ruiz, Dugan reportedly directed him and his attorney through a nonpublic area of the courthouse to evade arrest, after being alerted to the agents’ presence by her clerk. Dugan's actions have ignited significant public outcry, leading to protests from those supporting her. Furthermore, the situation has raised broader discussions regarding judges' roles and the legal boundaries that they must operate within, especially in relation to immigration enforcement. Federal authorities have emphasized that their actions aim to uphold the rule of law, which complicates the narrative surrounding judicial autonomy. The case reflects a growing tension between federal immigration policies and local judicial practices, as Dugan’s arrest has spurred discussions on whether judges should engage in acts perceived as obstruction of justice. Dugan is awaiting an arraignment set for May 15, 2025, and is currently suspended from her duties by the Wisconsin Supreme Court while the legal proceedings unfold.