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
Alleged human smuggling operation exposed in Texas as 17 illegal aliens found inside residential home

Texas Authorities Uncover Suspected Human Smuggling Ring with 17 Undocumented Immigrants in Home Raid

Authorities have uncovered what they believe to be a human smuggling operation…
David Harbour nabs stranger’s hat in bizarre incident at California bar

David Harbour’s Unusual Hat Swap Moment at California Bar

David Harbour, the renowned star of “Stranger Things,” found himself at the…
Magic, mystery abound as filmmaker James Cameron takes us back to Pandora for 'Avatar: Fire and Ash'

Return to Pandora: Unveiling the Mysteries of ‘Avatar: Fire and Ash’ with James Cameron

In a cinematic landscape often dominated by reboots and franchises, James Cameron…
'Person of Interest' Identified in Brown University Shooting Investigation

Key Suspect Emerges in Brown University Shooting Case

The investigation into the recent shooting at Brown University has identified a…
Hunt for Brown University killer handicapped by security lapses, campus budget cuts

Security Lapses and Budget Cuts Hinder Investigation of Brown University Murder

In a shocking turn of events during finals week, a gunman managed…
Who was Nuno Loureiro? MIT professor gunned down in apartment near university

Tragic Incident: MIT Professor Nuno Loureiro Fatally Shot in Nearby Apartment

A tragic incident has shaken the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)…
Haitian men charged with $7 million fraud scheme in Massachusetts

Massive $7 Million Fraud Scheme in Massachusetts: Haitian Men Indicted

In a significant development out of Massachusetts, two Haitian nationals have been…
Trump administration moves to cut off gender-affirming care for transgender youth with new HHS restrictions

New HHS Guidelines Limit Gender-Affirming Care Access for Transgender Youth

WASHINGTON — On Thursday, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services…
Zelenskyy calls for US to respond to 'signals' Russia is 'preparing to make next year a year of war'

Zelenskyy Urges US Action Amid Warnings of Russia’s Escalating War Plans for 2024

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has issued a stark warning to the United…
Pete Davidson, Elsie Hewitt expecting first child together

Pete Davidson and Elsie Hewitt Celebrate Arrival of Their First Child

In July, Pete Davidson and Elsie Hewitt joyously revealed they were expecting…
Minneapolis police chief blasts ICE after agent seen dragging woman through street, kneeling on her back

Minneapolis Police Chief Condemns ICE’s Excessive Force: Shocking Footage Sparks Outrage

The police chief of Minneapolis has strongly criticized Immigration and Customs Enforcement…
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…