In an unprecedented move, the FBI arrested Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan on charges of obstruction of justice and concealing an individual to prevent arrest. This marks the first known case of the Trump administration’s Justice Department prosecuting a sitting judge for allegedly interfering with federal immigration operations.
Allegations and Arrest Details
According to FBI Director Kash Patel, Judge Dugan is accused of intentionally assisting undocumented immigrant Eduardo Flores Ruiz in evading Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents at the Milwaukee County Courthouse on April 18. Patel stated that Dugan allegedly misdirected federal agents and facilitated Ruiz’s escape through a non-public courthouse exit. Ruiz was later apprehended after a brief foot pursuit.
Judge Dugan was arrested by FBI agents at the Milwaukee County Courthouse on Friday morning. She was later released on bond and is scheduled to appear in federal court on May 15, 2025.
The arrest has ignited a political firestorm across Wisconsin and beyond. On the other hand, Attorney General Pam Bondi praised the arrest, describing Dugan’s actions as “deranged” and a clear violation of the law.
“This is a warning to all public officials: if you obstruct federal law enforcement, you will be held accountable,” Bondi stated.
