Wisconsin judge convicted of obstruction for helping immigrant evade federal officers

MADISON, Wis. — Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan was found guilty on Thursday night of felony obstruction for helping a Mexican immigrant evade federal officers, while a misdemeanor concealment charge was not proven. A jury deliberated for four days and about six hours before reaching the verdict. The conviction carries a potential sentence of up to five years in prison; sentencing date was not set as of Friday morning.

Advocates for Dugan raised alarms about judicial independence and due process, saying the case has broader implications for how immigration enforcement interacts with the state judiciary. U.S. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche praised the verdict on X, saying nobody is above the law, even judges. U.S. Attorney Brad Schimel, a former Republican Wisconsin attorney general, said the case was not political and urged the public to accept the verdict peacefully. "Some have sought to make this about a larger political battle," Schimel said. "While this case is serious for all involved, it is ultimately about a single day, a single bad day, in a public courthouse. The defendant is certainly not evil. Nor is she a martyr for some greater cause."

Dugan's defense team argued that the 'top levels of government' were involved in bringing charges against Dugan; lead attorney Steve Biskupic said he was disappointed by the ruling and questioned how the jury could reach a split verdict when the two charges had similar elements.

Dugan was suspended from her duties; the Wisconsin Constitution bars convicted felons from holding office; the Wisconsin Judicial Commission did not respond to requests for information about next steps.

On April 18, immigration officers went to the Milwaukee County courthouse after learning 31-year-old Eduardo Flores-Ruiz had reentered the country illegally and was scheduled to appear before Dugan for a hearing in a state battery case. Dugan confronted agents outside her courtroom and, after they had left, led Flores-Ruiz and his attorney out through a private jury door. Agents spotted Flores-Ruiz in the corridor, followed him outside and arrested him after a foot chase. The Department of Homeland Security announced in November that he had been deported.

A coalition of 13 advocacy groups, including Common Cause Wisconsin and the League of Women Voters Wisconsin, said higher courts must carefully review the serious constitutional questions this case raises about due process, judicial authority, and federal overreach.

Dugan's conviction adds to tensions in debates over immigration policy and judicial independence and is likely to be appealed, potentially shaping how federal immigration enforcement interacts with state courts.