Federal trial to begin for Milwaukee Judge Hannah Dugan accused of helping undocumented man evade arrest
Share this @internewscast.com

The federal trial begins Monday for a Wisconsin judge facing accusations of hiding an undocumented immigrant to shield him from arrest by immigration officials.

Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Hannah Dugan stands charged in a federal indictment with two counts. The indictment claims she interfered with Department of Homeland Security removal proceedings and deliberately concealed the man from immigration officers at a courthouse in April.

Judge Dugan has entered a plea of not guilty.

The trial, taking place in Milwaukee, will commence with opening statements on Monday, following the completion of jury selection last week.

The prosecution has indicated plans to call between 25 and 28 witnesses to testify during the proceedings.

If found guilty of the charges, Dugan could be sentenced to a maximum of six years in prison.

According to federal prosecutors, Dugan encountered federal agents who were at the Milwaukee County Circuit Court on April 18 to arrest Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, who was appearing in her courtroom on a battery charge.

Prosecutors say that after speaking to the agents, Dugan directed them to the chief judge’s office down the hall and then sent Flores-Ruiz and his attorney out a non-public door in an alleged attempt, authorities claim, to help him evade arrest on immigration violations.

Dugan’s lawyers have called her arrest “virtually unprecedented” and sought to dismiss the case, arguing she has judicial immunity for official acts and her prosecution is unconstitutional. Judge Lynn Adelman denied the motion, finding there was “no basis for granting immunity simply because some of the allegations in the indictment describe conduct that could be considered ‘part of a judge’s job.’”

The Wisconsin Supreme Court suspended Dugan in the wake of her arrest, stating in an order it was “in the public interest that she be temporarily relieved of her official duties.”

Flores-Ruiz, a native of Mexico, was later arrested and charged with unlawful reentry into the U.S.

He was sentenced to time served earlier this month after pleading guilty to the charge, federal court records show. DHS said last month he had been deported.

Copyright © 2025 ABC News Internet Ventures.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Claudio Manuel Neves-Valente identified as Brown University and MIT shooting suspect, found dead

Unraveling True Crime: MIT Shooting Suspect Updates, Nick Reiner Legal Insights & Brian Walshe Sentencing

A composite image reveals Claudio Neves-Valente, the suspect in the Brown University…
Bulgarian Chicago business owner, Nenko Gantchev, dies in ICE custody; family and congresswoman call for 'immediate investigation'

Bulgarian-Chicago Entrepreneur Nenko Gantchev Passes Away in ICE Custody; Family and Congresswoman Demand ‘Immediate Investigation

A Chicago resident originally from Bulgaria, apprehended during a recent immigration crackdown,…
Justice Department faces Friday deadline to release Epstein files investigation

Justice Department’s Crucial Deadline Approaches: Epstein Files Release Looms This Friday

The Justice Department is on the clock, facing a Friday deadline to…
Rick Pitino ready to face his former school, captain as St. John’s meets Kentucky in final non-conference test

Rick Pitino Set to Lead St. John’s Against Former Team Kentucky in Significant Non-Conference Showdown

Rick Pitino vividly recalls the emotional reception he received at Rupp Arena…
Tennessee governor pardons country star Jelly Roll, who has sought redemption from criminal past

Tennessee Governor Grants Pardon to Country Star Jelly Roll, Embracing Redemption from Troubled Past

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — In a significant turn of events, Tennessee Governor Bill…
US prisons battle evolving drone technology used to smuggle contraband to inmates

U.S. Prisons Confront Advancements in Drone Technology Used for Smuggling Contraband to Inmates

COLUMBIA, S.C. – The frequency of drones flying over U.S. prisons is…
Vatican confirms resignation of Cardinal Timothy Dolan, announces new archbishop of New York

Vatican Confirms Cardinal Timothy Dolan’s Resignation; Announces New Archbishop for New York

The Vatican announced on Thursday the acceptance of Cardinal Timothy Dolan’s resignation…
Albanian opposition lawmakers light flares, scuffle with police amid parliament chaos over corruption probe

Albanian Opposition Lawmakers Ignite Flares and Clash with Police Amid Parliamentary Turmoil Over Corruption Investigation

In an intense display of political unrest, opposition lawmakers clashed with police…
Federal Agencies Launch Websites Highlighting Accomplishments in 11 Months of Trump Administration

Federal Agencies Unveil New Websites Showcasing Key Achievements from First 11 Months Under Trump Administration

Federal agencies are spotlighting their achievements over the initial eleven months of…
Woman, child beaten, seriously hurt on Bensley Ave. near Orville T. Bright Elementary on Far South Side; CPD investigating | Video

Seven Juveniles Charged in Brutal Attack Near Orville T. Bright Elementary on Chicago’s South Side

CHICAGO (WLS) — Following a violent incident near a South Side elementary…
Jacksonville father who ran over, killed 8-month-old son sentenced to 30 years in prison

Jacksonville Father Receives 30-Year Sentence for Tragic Death of 8-Month-Old Son in Vehicular Incident

In a tragic case that has gripped Jacksonville, a father responsible for…
What to know about the link between the Brown University and MIT shootings

Understanding the Connection: Brown University and MIT Shootings Unraveled

Authorities suspect the same individual is behind the tragic deaths of two…