Federal judge says trial for Milwaukee, Wisconsin Judge Hannah Dugan accused of helping immigrant will go on next month
Share this @internewscast.com

A federal judge announced on Wednesday that the trial of a Wisconsin judge accused of aiding an immigrant in avoiding federal authorities will proceed as scheduled next month, dismissing rumors of a potential plea deal.

During a hearing, U.S. District Judge Lynn Adelman instructed the legal teams of Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan to prepare for the trial, which is set to commence on December 11 with jury selection.

Judge Dugan was charged by federal prosecutors in April with obstruction and aiding in the concealment of an individual to hinder arrest. Court documents reveal that she was to preside over a state battery case involving 31-year-old Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, an undocumented immigrant. Federal agents, aware of his court appearance, arrived at the Milwaukee County Courthouse intending to detain him.

The documents state that Dugan, upon discovering the presence of federal agents outside her courtroom, guided Flores-Ruiz through a private exit. Although he initially evaded capture, agents apprehended him after a brief foot pursuit. The Department of Homeland Security recently announced that Flores-Ruiz has since been deported.

If convicted on both charges, Dugan could face a maximum of six years in prison. Despite U.S. Attorney Brad Schimel’s mention of ongoing plea discussions, Dugan has reportedly declined any agreement.

Dugan’s defense argues her innocence, maintaining that her actions were within her judicial duties. While Schimel’s comments have stirred curiosity about potential developments in the case, her legal team continues to prepare for trial.

No one from Schimel’s office or Dugan’s attorneys mentioned the prospect of a deal during Wednesday’s hearing, the last one scheduled ahead of Dugan’s trial. They instead focused on the logistics of jury selection and trial procedure.

Steven Biskupic, Dugan’s lead attorney, told Adelman that the two sides have already stricken 34 potential jurors based on responses to a questionnaire they sent out gauging their political biases. The two sides said they may need two days to select jurors from the pool of 90 or so remaining prospects.

Dugan’s indictment has intensified the clash between President Donald Trump’s administration and local authorities over the Republican’s sweeping immigration crackdown.

Democrats accuse the Trump administration of trying to blunt judicial opposition to the crackdown by making an example of Dugan. The administration has vilified Dugan on social media, posting photos of her being led out of the courthouse in handcuffs and labeling her an activist judge.

Biskupic said that he wants to make each potential juror fill out another questionnaire about their biases on the way into the courtroom on the selection days, saying publicity over the case is continuing. Adelman agreed.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard Frohling told Adelman the government plans to call 25 to 28 witnesses, including federal immigration agents and witnesses who saw what happened in Dugan’s courtroom and in the courthouse. Biskupic told the judge that the government also plans to introduce about a half-hour’s worth of recordings made in Dugan’s courtroom.

The government’s case will take at least four days, Frohling said. Biskupic did not offer any details about his witnesses or the potential length of his side of the case.

Prosecutors and defense attorneys did not speak with reporters on their way out of the hearing. Dugan attended the proceeding but said nothing. She also left without speaking with reporters.

.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Yankees add veteran outfield depth as Cody Bellinger’s free agency continues

Yankees Bolster Outfield with Veteran Talent Amid Cody Bellinger’s Ongoing Free Agency

On Monday, the New York Yankees bolstered their roster by signing an…
Trial for Chicago man Juan Espinoza-Martinez accused of putting hit on Border Patrol Chief Gregory Bovino begins

Chicago Resident Juan Espinoza-Martinez Faces Trial for Alleged Plot Against Border Patrol Chief Gregory Bovino

CHICAGO (WLS) — The courtroom drama unfolds as the trial of a…
West Virginia teacher fired after arrest on child sex abuse charge

West Virginia Educator Terminated Following Arrest on Child Sex Abuse Allegation

A West Virginia teacher finds herself in serious legal trouble after being…
Folk music cult icon Tucker Zimmerman dies in house fire along with his wife

Folk Legend Tucker Zimmerman and Wife Tragically Perish in Devastating House Fire

In the world of folk music, few names resonated with the same…
Morning Minute: When Life Gives You Lemons...

Morning Brief: Turning Adversity into Opportunity

Tuesday, January 20, 2026 Good morning and welcome to RedState’s “Morning Minute”—your…
Video shows teen thrown off e-bike at skate park; Jacksonville officer arrested

Jacksonville Officer Arrested After Shocking E-Bike Incident at Skate Park Involving Teen

A 36-year-old man, Stephen Hicks, is facing battery charges following an altercation…
Denmark ramps up defenses in Greenland as Trump zeros in on control of territory

Denmark Strengthens Greenland Defense Amid Renewed U.S. Interest Under Trump

On Monday, Denmark took steps to bolster its military presence in Greenland…
Minnesota's Muslim AG to Christians: Church Ambushes Are ‘Just Something You’ve Gotta Live With’

Minnesota’s Muslim Attorney General Advises Christians on Coping with Church Attacks

Somewhere in the vast universe, one might imagine Saul Alinsky chuckling with…
Grand Rapids, MI weather: 100-vehicle pileup crash closes I-196 in Hudsonville, Michigan during icy conditions, police say

Icy Conditions Trigger 100-Vehicle Pileup on I-196, Shutting Down Hudsonville, MI Highway

HUDSONVILLE, Mich. (WLS) — A massive pileup involving over 100 vehicles occurred…
Portland police release photos of suspect accused of shooting 2 officers

Breaking: Portland Police Unveil Key Images in Hunt for Suspect Behind Officer Shootings

In a tense development out of Portland, Oregon, local authorities have released…
ISIS fighters break free from Syrian jail amid chaotic government handover

ISIS Militants Escape Syrian Prison During Turbulent Government Transition

Amidst a turbulent transition of authority between the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces…
Deputies: Florida man shoots, kills 3 tourists outside home near Disney World

Florida Resident Allegedly Shoots and Kills Three Tourists Near Disney World, Deputies Report

In a tragic turn of events near Walt Disney World, a man…