Judge Hannah Dugan charged for aiding undocumented immigrant evade ICE arrest
- Hannah Dugan faces federal charges for allegedly helping an undocumented immigrant evade arrest.
- The court denied her argument for judicial immunity, stating that judges can be prosecuted for committing crimes.
- The case against Dugan raises important questions about judicial conduct and the law.
In April 2023, in Milwaukee County, Wisconsin, Judge Hannah Dugan was arrested and charged with two federal offenses related to aiding an undocumented immigrant, identified as Eduardo Flores-Ruiz. Prosecutors allege that Dugan intentionally concealed Flores-Ruiz during a court appearance to obstruct Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents who were present to take him into custody. The judge's actions included escorting Flores-Ruiz and his lawyer out of the courtroom through a non-public door after directing ICE agents to a different location within the courthouse. This incident has led to significant legal controversies regarding judicial immunity and the interpretation of a judge's official conduct. Dugan has pleaded not guilty to the charges against her, which carry substantial potential penalties, and her defense team argues that her actions were within her judicial capacity, citing constitutional protections for judges. A hearing is set for September 3, 2023, to discuss the continuation of the case, which has sparked a broader debate on the responsibilities and legal limits of judges in the context of immigration enforcement.