Grand jury indicts Wisconsin judge in immigration case
Share this @internewscast.com

Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan faces up to six years in prison if she’s convicted on both counts.

MILWAUKEE — On Tuesday, a federal grand jury indicted a Wisconsin judge on allegations that she assisted a man, who was in the U.S. illegally, in avoiding arrest by U.S. immigration authorities during his court appearance in a local domestic abuse case.

This indictment of Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan has intensified a conflict between the Trump administration and local officials concerning the administration’s broad immigration enforcement measures. Democrats have criticized the Trump administration, suggesting that Dugan’s case is being used as a national example to deter judicial resistance to these enforcement efforts.

The prosecutors had initially charged Judge Dugan in April with hiding a person to prevent arrest and obstruction. In the federal legal system, charges can be brought against someone either directly through the filing of a complaint or by presenting evidence to a grand jury, which then decides whether to formally issue charges.

A grand jury still reviews charges brought by complaint to determine whether enough probable cause exists to continue the case as a check on prosecutors’ power. If the grand jury determines there’s probable cause, it issues a written statement of the charges known as an indictment. That’s what happened in Dugan’s case.

Dugan faces up to six years in prison if she’s convicted on both counts. Her team of defense attorneys responded to the indictment with a one-sentence statement saying that she maintains her innocence and looks forward to being vindicated in court. She was scheduled to enter a plea on Thursday.

Kenneth Gales, a spokesperson for the U.S. attorney’s office in Milwaukee, declined to comment on the indictment Tuesday evening.

Dugan’s case is similar to one brought during the first Trump administration against a Massachusetts judge, who was accused of helping a man sneak out a courthouse back door to evade a waiting immigration enforcement agent. That case was eventually dismissed.

Prosecutors say Dugan escorted Eduardo Flores-Ruiz and his lawyer out of her courtroom through a back jury door on April 18 after learning that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents were in the courthouse seeking his arrest.

According to court documents, Flores-Ruiz illegally reentered the U.S. after being deported in 2013. Online state court records show he was charged with three counts of misdemeanor domestic abuse in Milwaukee County in March. He was in Dugan’s courtroom that morning of April 18 for a hearing.

Court documents suggest Dugan was alerted to the agents’ presence by her clerk, who was informed by an attorney that the agents appeared to be in the hallway. An affidavit says Dugan was visibly angry over the agents’ arrival and called the situation “absurd” before leaving the bench and retreating to her chambers. She and another judge later approached members of the arrest team in the courthouse with what witnesses described as a “confrontational, angry demeanor.”

After a back-and-forth with the agents over the warrant for Flores-Ruiz, Dugan demanded they speak with the chief judge and led them away from the courtroom, according to the affidavit.

She then returned to the courtroom and was heard saying words to the effect of “wait, come with me” and ushered Flores-Ruiz and his attorney out through a back jury door typically used only by deputies, jurors, court staff and in-custody defendants, according to the affidavit. Flores-Ruiz was free on a signature bond in the abuse case at the time, according to online state court records.

Federal agents ultimately captured him outside the courthouse after a foot chase.

The state Supreme Court suspended Dugan from the bench in late April, saying the move was necessary to preserve public confidence in the judiciary. A reserve judge is filling in for her.

Copyright 2025 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.     

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Shakori Hills festival brings music, community and family together in North Carolina

North Carolina’s Shakori Hills Festival: A Celebration of Music, Community, and Family

Pittsboro, NC — In the picturesque landscapes of Chatham County, a music…
ICE officers in Illinois targeted by illegal immigrants who used 'vehicles as weapons,' officials say

Illinois ICE Officers Attacked by Illegal Immigrants Using Vehicles as Weapons, Officials Report

Two illegal immigrants were arrested in Illinois for allegedly weaponizing their vehicles…
Most Americans rate the U.S. economy poorly: Poll

Poll Reveals That Many Americans Hold a Negative View of the U.S. Economy

(The Hill) — Nearly three-quarters of Americans say economic conditions are poor…
'Girlmore Girls' star Lauren Graham gets star on Hollywood Walk of Fame

‘Gilmore Girls’ Actress Lauren Graham Honored with Star on Hollywood Walk of Fame

HOLLYWOOD, LOS ANGELES (KABC) — Lauren Graham, renowned for her role as…
JSO: Man shot during argument with suspect on Moncrief Road

JSO: Argument on Moncrief Road Leads to Shooting

The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office said the man suffered a non-life-threatening injury after…
Los Angeles City Hall evacuated after car travels into steps, sidewalk in front of building; driver in custody

Los Angeles City Hall Evacuated After Car Drives Onto Steps and Sidewalk; Driver Detained

On Friday afternoon, Los Angeles City Hall in the downtown area was…
Alleged stalker detained then released after girls’ hit-and-run deaths, arrested days later: officials

Suspected Stalker Temporarily Detained After Girls’ Tragic Hit-and-Run, Arrested Again Days Later: Officials Report

A 17-year-old, suspected in a hit-and-run murder, was briefly detained and questioned…
Costco offers Wegovy, Ozempic at reduced prices

Costco Introduces Discounted Rates for Wegovy and Ozempic

Costco members can already access the drug online and have the option…
Government shutdown continues as Senate again rejects funding bills

Senate Blocks Funding Bills, Extending the Government Shutdown

Senate Majority Leader John Thune of South Dakota holds a copy of…
Rifle behind Charlie Kirk’s killing may be untraceable relic from WWI

Expert Identifies Vulnerability in Prosecution’s Case Against Charlie Kirk’s Alleged Assassination

PROVO, Utah — A key challenge in the prosecution’s case against Tyler…
DHS Secretary Noem 'blocked' from bathroom at Illinois government building, as Pritzker feud heats up

DHS Secretary Noem ‘barred’ from restroom in Illinois government office amid rising tension with Pritzker

Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem stated Friday that she…
Supreme Court allows Trump admin to strip deportation protections from 300K Venezuelan migrants

Supreme Court Permits Trump Administration to Remove Deportation Protections for 300,000 Venezuelan Migrants

The Supreme Court on Friday permitted the Trump administration to remove temporary…