The federal trial is set to begin on Monday for Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Hannah Dugan, who faces allegations of helping an undocumented man evade arrest by immigration authorities, Baltimore Chronicle. Dugan has pleaded not guilty to the two-count federal indictment, which accuses her of obstructing Department of Homeland Security removal proceedings and knowingly concealing the man, Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, at a courthouse in April.
Opening statements are scheduled to start following jury selection last week. Prosecutors have indicated they plan to call 25 to 28 witnesses during the trial. If convicted on both counts, Dugan could face up to six years in prison.
According to federal authorities, Dugan encountered Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents on April 18, 2025, who were present at the Milwaukee County Circuit Court to arrest Flores-Ruiz on a battery charge. Prosecutors allege that after speaking with the agents, Dugan directed them to the chief judge’s office and then escorted Flores-Ruiz and his attorney out of a non-public door, allegedly attempting to prevent his arrest on immigration violations.
Dugan’s legal team argued that her prosecution is unconstitutional and sought dismissal of the case, citing judicial immunity for official acts. Judge Lynn Adelman denied the motion, stating that there is no basis for immunity simply because some actions described in the indictment may relate to judicial duties.
Following her arrest, the Wisconsin Supreme Court suspended Dugan, citing that it was in the public interest to temporarily relieve her of her judicial duties. Flores-Ruiz, a Mexican national, was later arrested for unlawful reentry into the United States, pleaded guilty, and was sentenced to time served. DHS officials confirmed that he was deported last month.
Earlier we wrote that Person of Interest Taken into Custody After Fatal Brown University Shooting.
