Milwaukee County judge found guilty of obstructing federal immigration agents
Hannah Dugan convicted on a felony obstruction charge tied to a courthouse incident; acquitted on a misdemeanor; faces up to five years in prison
A Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Hannah Dugan was found guilty by a federal jury of obstructing federal immigration agents during an attempt to serve a warrant at the Milwaukee Federal Courthouse earlier this year. The felony obstruction conviction carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison.
Prosecutors said the events unfolded on April 18, when Dugan helped Eduardo Flores-Ruiz and his attorney exit her courtroom through a back door after learning that ICE agents were in the building to arrest him. Jurors deliberated for six hours before delivering the verdict on the obstruction charge; Dugan was acquitted on a misdemeanor count of concealing an individual to prevent arrest.
Surveillance video released by Milwaukee County appears to show Dugan, in black robes, confronting the immigration agents in the courthouse hallway.
Interim U.S. Attorney Brad Schimel reacted to the verdict, saying Dugan "is certainly not evil nor is she a martyr for some greater cause" and that prosecutors "weren't trying to make an example out of anyone." He added that the case was part of the courthouse’s routine operations and that the government sought accountability where warranted.
Dugan's defense team said they were disappointed but planned to appeal, arguing that prosecutors failed to secure convictions on both counts and that the trial underscored an opportunity to clear Judge Dugan's name. They said the defense would continue to pursue avenues to challenge the verdict and examine the procedural aspects of the prosecution.
Under Wisconsin law, Dugan is no longer eligible to hold public office.
In April, she was suspended with pay, a roughly $175,000-a-year salary, by the Wisconsin Supreme Court. It remains unclear whether the court will modify her employment status in light of the verdict as an appeal is anticipated.
Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche said Dugan "betrayed her oath and the people she served" and that a federal jury has sent a message that "nobody is above the law" and that the Department will "enforce federal immigration law and hold criminals to account — even those who wear robes." He emphasized that the department will continue to protect those who enforce and uphold the law.
This case adds to a broader conversation about the boundaries between judicial authority and immigration enforcement. The verdict follows a period of heightened scrutiny of courthouse safety and the actions of officials who interact with federal enforcement agents, as jurisdictions weigh policies and public expectations about lawful conduct inside courthouses.
The Milwaukee case has prompted discussions about potential reforms and disciplinary processes in Wisconsin, especially given that Dugan's status and role are subject to ongoing legal processes and appeals. Analysts note that the outcome could influence how similar cases are handled in the future and may affect ongoing debates about the relationship between state courts and federal immigration enforcement.
Observers familiar with the broader landscape say the incident underscores the sometimes fraught interactions between local judicial figures and federal agencies, particularly in highly charged enforcement environments. As the appeal process moves forward, lawmakers and policymakers will watch closely to see how courts respond to questions about procedure, accountability, and the appropriate limits of courtroom intervention during federal enforcement actions.
