Supporters of Judge Hannah Dugan gathered outside the Milwaukee courthouse on Friday to show their support. They held a rally to stand with her during her legal battle. AP
Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan has been charged with two felonies. Authorities say she helped an undocumented immigrant avoid arrest after he appeared in her courtroom. The charges include obstructing a U.S. agency and hiding a person to stop an arrest. If convicted, she could face up to six years in prison and a $350,000 fine.
According to the complaint, Dugan assisted Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, a Mexican immigrant without legal status. He had come to court for a pretrial meeting related to three misdemeanor battery charges. After the hearing, federal agents chased Flores-Ruiz outside and arrested him near West State Street and North 10th Street.
Dugan’s lawyer said she has always respected the rule of law. "Judge Dugan will defend herself vigorously, and looks forward to being exonerated," her lawyer said.
On April 25, Dugan appeared before a U.S. Magistrate Judge. The hearing was short. She did not speak publicly. Prosecutors did not ask for her detention, and the judge agreed detention was not necessary. Dugan wore a black dress with white flowers, not a jumpsuit, for the court appearance.
Her attorney, Craig Mastantuono, said her arrest was unnecessary. He added it had nothing to do with public safety. Former U.S. Attorney Steve Biskupic now represents Dugan.
The arrest drew national attention. A top official posted online confirming her arrest for helping Flores-Ruiz avoid federal agents. Another official said Dugan misled agents on purpose, helping Flores-Ruiz escape in the courthouse.
Several Milwaukee judges confirmed the arrest happened inside the courthouse. A well-known defense attorney called the arrest "outrageous," saying Dugan could have easily come in if asked. He criticized treating a judge like a criminal.
Political leaders reacted too. A Democratic senator called the arrest an example of government overreach. Milwaukee’s mayor said the arrest sends a bad message to anyone using the courts. He worried it could scare people away from participating in court proceedings.
On the other side, a Republican senator warned everyone to cooperate with federal law enforcement. A Republican representative said people should be ready for arrest if they help undocumented immigrants escape.
Outside the courthouse, protesters gathered. They chanted "No justice, no peace" and held signs supporting Dugan. They promised to return.
The complaint shows federal agents knew Flores-Ruiz had been deported in 2013. They got an arrest warrant on April 17. The next day, agents came to the courthouse to arrest him after his hearing.
When Dugan heard about the agents waiting, she became angry, according to the complaint. She told the agents they needed a different kind of warrant and directed them elsewhere. Witnesses said she then motioned Flores-Ruiz and his lawyer to use a side door.
A federal agent followed Flores-Ruiz to an elevator. After he exited, two agents chased and caught him near 10th Street.
Federal records show Flores-Ruiz faces charges for illegal re-entry into the United States. His lawyer said Flores-Ruiz acted under his state attorney’s advice. He has lived in Milwaukee for about 12 years and worked as a cook.
Flores-Ruiz is now in ICE custody at a detention center in Juneau. His previous charges stem from a fight in March with his roommate. The incident involved accusations of loud music and alleged assaults. The battery charges could each bring nine months in jail and a $10,000 fine.
Judge Dugan, elected in 2016, has her term running until 2028.
