Wisconsin Judge Arrested for Immigration Obstruction
Federal authorities arrested a Wisconsin judge on Friday, alleging she obstructed an immigration enforcement operation—a move that underscores escalating tensions between the Trump administration and local officials over immigration policy.
Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan was taken into custody and charged with obstruction and concealing an individual to avoid arrest. If convicted on both counts, she faces up to six years in prison.
FBI Director Kash Patel, appointed by President Donald Trump, announced the arrest on social media, accusing Dugan of "intentionally misdirecting" federal agents away from an undocumented immigrant they sought to detain last week.
"Thankfully, our agents chased down the suspect on foot, and he has been in custody since. But the judge’s obstruction created increased danger to the public," Patel stated.
U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi echoed the sentiment, writing on X: "No one is above the law."
The Alleged Obstruction
According to an FBI affidavit, the incident unfolded on April 18 when federal agents arrived at Dugan’s courthouse to arrest Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, a Mexican national with prior deportations who faced misdemeanor battery charges.
Upon learning of the agents’ presence, Dugan allegedly became "visibly angry," called the situation "absurd," and left the bench. She then directed the agents to report to the chief judge’s office while, authorities claim, she escorted Flores-Ruiz and his attorney toward a side exit.
Two remaining agents spotted Flores-Ruiz attempting to flee. He was apprehended shortly after a brief chase outside the courthouse.
Mixed Reactions Along Party Lines
The arrest drew sharp partisan reactions. Wisconsin Democratic Senator Tammy Baldwin condemned the move as a "gravely serious and drastic" escalation, warning that it undermined judicial independence.
Meanwhile, Republican Senator Ron Johnson urged cooperation with federal law enforcement, stating: "I would advise everyone not to endanger officers and the public by obstructing arrests of criminals and illegal aliens."
Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson, a Democrat, criticized the arrest as "showboating" that could have a "chilling effect" on court operations.
Legal Precedent and Next Steps
Dugan, first elected in 2016 and re-elected in 2022, was released pending a May 15 hearing. Her attorney stated she "wholeheartedly regrets and protests her arrest," arguing it was not in the public interest.
The case follows a similar 2019 incident in Massachusetts, where a judge faced obstruction charges for helping an undocumented defendant evade ICE—a case later dropped but still under ethics review.
Legal experts warn the latest arrest could further strain relations between federal authorities and local judiciaries amid ongoing debates over immigration enforcement.