Judge indicted for aiding illegal immigrant after federal prosecutors accused Milwaukee County Judge Hannah Dugan of blocking an ICE arrest. The charges stem from an April courtroom incident involving an undocumented man named Eduardo Flores-Ruiz.
Authorities arrested Dugan on April 25 after discovering she allegedly intervened to stop federal agents. Officials claim she knowingly helped Flores-Ruiz avoid arrest inside her courtroom. A grand jury formally indicted her on May 13 after reviewing several witness testimonies.
Dugan now faces a felony count of obstructing a federal agency. She also faces a misdemeanor charge for hiding someone from legal detention. These charges follow weeks of investigation into her courtroom conduct.
Witnesses told the grand jury that Dugan interfered with immigration enforcement efforts. Her courtroom clerk and Flores-Ruiz’s former attorney gave key testimony. Milwaukee County Judge Kristela Cervera, who works next door, also testified during the proceedings.
Prosecutors say Dugan issued instructions that helped Flores-Ruiz escape ICE detention. They argue she used her position to delay or redirect agents inside the courthouse. The complaint alleges this action directly blocked a lawful federal operation.
Her attorneys reject those claims and say she acted appropriately. They insist Judge Dugan followed legal protocols during her handling of the case. “Judge Dugan asserts her innocence and looks forward to being vindicated,” her legal team said in a public statement.
The Wisconsin Supreme Court responded quickly following her arrest. Just days later, it suspended Dugan from her judicial duties pending the trial’s outcome. Officials say the suspension helps protect public confidence in the justice system.
Dugan must return to federal court on May 15. She is expected to enter her plea and face formal arraignment during that appearance. The court will then determine next steps in the legal process.
Judge indicted for aiding illegal immigrant in a case that may reshape how courts interact with immigration enforcement. Many legal experts are watching closely for broader implications.
This incident has fueled national debate over judicial authority and immigration law enforcement. The final ruling could set a major precedent in future courtroom procedures.
Judge indicted for aiding illegal immigrant now stands at the center of a high-profile legal battle. The outcome may have long-term consequences for federal-state legal cooperation.
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