Wisconsin judge found guilty of obstruction for helping immigrant evade federal agents
Judge Hannah Dugan convicted; case raises questions about judicial conduct and immigration enforcement
A Milwaukee jury on Dec. 18, 2025, found Judge Hannah Dugan, a Wisconsin state judge, guilty of obstruction for helping an immigrant evade federal agents.
Jurors heard testimony from federal agents about the actions in question during an immigration matter and described how the judge used her official authority in ways prosecutors said hindered the enforcement effort.
Prosecutors contended that the judge's actions were deliberate steps to interfere with a federal investigation, crossing the line into obstruction under both state and federal law. The obstruction charge carries potential penalties and can lead to further disciplinary action in addition to any criminal sentence.
The defense argued that the conduct did not amount to obstruction and that the judge's involvement stemmed from routine judicial oversight and the handling of a sensitive immigration matter. No sentencing date was immediately announced; the case will proceed to determining penalties once the court rules on applicable statutes and any post-verdict motions.
The verdict against a sitting judge is uncommon and is likely to prompt scrutiny by Wisconsin's judicial oversight bodies, possible appeals, and a review of ethical standards for judges who handle immigration cases.
Observers say the case underscores enduring tensions between immigration enforcement efforts and judicial independence, with implications for how courts manage cases involving federal agents in immigration matters going forward.
