Judge Hannah Dugan obstructs immigration agents during courthouse arrest
- Dugan is accused of escorting an undocumented immigrant out of her courtroom to avoid arrest by ICE agents.
- Federal prosecutors argue that her actions obstructed law enforcement and should not be protected by judicial immunity.
- The case raises controversial questions about the boundaries of judicial power and accountability.
In Wisconsin, Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Hannah Dugan was indicted for allegedly assisting an undocumented immigrant, Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, evade arrest by U.S. immigration authorities. This incident occurred on April 18, 2023, when agents from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrived in the courthouse to arrest Flores-Ruiz, who was in Dugan's courtroom for an unrelated domestic violence case. Dugan reportedly became upset upon learning about the agents' presence and deliberately removed Flores-Ruiz from the courtroom through a back exit, taking steps to prevent him from being arrested. The U.S. Department of Justice has since argued that her actions signify a serious obstruction of justice, claiming that her assertion of judicial immunity to dismiss the charges is without merit. During a court proceeding earlier this month, prosecutors contended that allowing such immunity would create a dangerous precedent, potentially enabling judges to interfere with federal law enforcement activities. They maintained that judges should not consider their judicial roles a shield against legal accountability. Dugan's defense team has contended that she is innocent and that her actions were conducted in an official capacity. In response to the case, former Supreme Court Justice Janine Geske expressed support for Dugan, noting the backing received for her defense funds. This controversial case has raised significant discussions about the limits of judicial power and the role of judges when it comes to federal law enforcement within their courtrooms. Dugan was formally indicted on May 13, 2023, and she pleaded not guilty shortly after. As the trial is set to begin on July 21, the circumstances surrounding the case have attracted attention amid broader discussions about immigration enforcement and judicial independence. Observers have noted similarities to past cases involving judges accused of assisting undocumented immigrants, further emphasizing ongoing tensions in the immigration debate. The outcome of this case may set important precedents regarding the conduct and accountability of judges in similar situations.