Wisconsin judge argues prosecutors can't charge her with helping a man evade immigration agents
Share this @internewscast.com

A Wisconsin judge accused of aiding an undocumented immigrant to avoid detention by U.S. immigration agents at her courthouse has moved to dismiss the case, arguing it lacks legal foundation.

Lawyers representing Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan claim in their motion that her actions merely involved managing movements within her courtroom, actions for which she has judicial immunity. They reference a U.S. Supreme Court decision from last year concerning President Donald Trump’s 2020 election interference probe, highlighting that former presidents receive absolute immunity for official acts within their constitutional authority and are generally presumed to have immunity for all official duties.

“The issues with the prosecution are numerous, but primarily, the government can’t charge Judge Dugan because she is protected by judicial immunity regarding her official actions,” states the motion. “This immunity serves as a complete barrier to a prosecution at the outset, rather than a defense to be evaluated later by a jury or court.”

The judge overseeing her case is Lynn Adelman, a former Democratic state senator. Former President Bill Clinton appointed him to the bench in 1997.

A spokesperson for the U.S. attorney’s office in Milwaukee didn’t immediately respond to an email seeking comment.

Federal prosecutors charged Dugan in April with obstruction and concealing an individual to prevent arrest. A grand jury indicted her on the same charges on Tuesday. She faces up to six years in prison if convicted of both counts.

Her attorneys insist Dugan is innocent. She’s expected to enter a not guilty plea at her arraignment Thursday.

Dugan’s arrest has escalated a clash between the Trump administration and Democrats over the Republican president’s sweeping immigration crackdown. Democrats contend that Dugan’s arrest went too far and that the administration is trying to make an example out of her to discourage judicial opposition to the crackdown.

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.

According to prosecutors, Eduardo Flores-Ruiz illegally reentered the U.S. after being deported in 2013. He was charged in March with misdemeanor domestic violence in Milwaukee County and was in Dugan’s courtroom for a hearing in that case on April 18.

Dugan’s clerk alerted her that immigration agents were in the courthouse looking to arrest Flores-Ruiz, prosecutors allege in court documents. According to an affidavit, Dugan became visibly angry at the agents’ arrival and called the situation “absurd.” After discussing the warrant for Flores-Ruiz’s arrest with the agents, Dugan demanded that they speak with the chief judge and led them away from the courtroom.

She then returned to the courtroom, was heard saying something to the effect of “wait, come with me,” and then showed Flores-Ruiz and his attorney out a back door, the affidavit says. The immigration agents eventually detained Flores-Ruiz outside the building following a foot chase.

Dugan’s dismissal motion also accuses the federal government of violating Wisconsin’s sovereignty by disrupting a state courtroom and prosecuting a state judge.

“The government’s prosecution here reaches directly into a state courthouse, disrupting active proceedings, and interferes with the official duties of an elected judge,” the motion states.

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

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
'Effort to give back': Jacksonville City Council members join local restaurant to feed hundreds

Jacksonville City Council Collaborates with Local Restaurant to Provide Meals to Hundreds in Community Initiative

Jerome Brown BBQ has extended its services to SNAP beneficiaries and government…
Chicago flights canceled today LIVE: More than 146 flights canceled at O'Hare, Midway airports; FAA's drop in 6% flights kicks in

Chicago Flight Chaos: Over 146 Cancellations Hit O’Hare and Midway Amid FAA’s 6% Reduction Implementation

CHICAGO — Traveling by air could become even more of a hassle…
Texas man accused of child sex crimes avoids jail in plea deal with Soros-backed prosecutor: report

Texas Man Avoids Jail Time in Controversial Plea Deal Over Child Sex Crimes with Soros-Backed Prosecutor Involvement

A man from Texas facing allegations of repeatedly sexually assaulting a child…
How Aurora Police Department officers learn to defuse volatile situations, including mental health crises

Aurora Police Department’s Innovative Training Techniques for Defusing Volatile Situations and Addressing Mental Health Crises

CHICAGO (WLS) — In traditional police training, officers are often instructed to…
BMW driver loses bid to toss murder charges in high-speed Pepperdine U crash that killed 4 students

BMW Driver’s Attempt to Dismiss Murder Charges in High-Speed Pepperdine University Crash That Resulted in Four Student Fatalities Rejected

A man from California, charged with causing a fatal accident that took…
Dave Plier gives ABC7 tour of revitalized Museum of Broadcast Communications in West Loop, Chicago

Dave Plier Showcases the Newly Revamped Museum of Broadcast Communications in Chicago’s West Loop on ABC7

The Museum of Broadcast Communications has made a triumphant return to the…
Christian ministry founder and daughter die in Florida plane crash en route to Jamaica

Founder of Christian Ministry and Daughter Perish in Florida Plane Crash En Route to Jamaica

Tragedy struck on Monday as a father and daughter lost their lives…
To really honor veterans, stop dismantling DEI

Protect DEI Initiatives: A Crucial Step in Honoring Veterans’ Contributions

Every Veterans Day, America takes a moment to acknowledge its military heroes…
Turning Point USA: Fights break out, multiple people arrested as event sparks protest at UC Berkeley, California

Tensions Rise at UC Berkeley: Protests Erupt During Turning Point USA Event, Resulting in Multiple Arrests

The nationwide campus tour by Turning Point USA concluded on Monday evening…
Tunnel to Towers Honors Gold Star Families on Veterans Day: The Unending Sacrifice

Tunnel to Towers Pays Tribute to Gold Star Families: Celebrating Eternal Sacrifice This Veterans Day

During a conversation on Veterans Day with Abby Hornacek from Fox Nation,…
Tariffs on Italian-made pasta may cause prices to skyrocket in 2026

Italian Pasta Tariffs Poised to Elevate Prices Dramatically by 2026

If planned tariffs go into effect, your favorite pasta brands may either…
'Windshield murder' of Gregory Biggs: The hit-and-run case that shocked the nation

Unraveling the ‘Windshield Murder’: Gregory Biggs’ Tragic Hit-and-Run Case That Gripped the Nation

In October 2001, Chante Mallard struck Gregory Biggs with her vehicle, drove…