Judge Faces Jury in Federal Immigration Obstruction Trial

A Wisconsin judge is on trial in federal court. Judge Hannah Dugan is charged with obstruction. Prosecutors say she helped an immigrant evade arrest in April.

The trial began this week in Milwaukee. According to Assistant U.S. Attorney Keith Alexander, Judge Dugan directed the man through a private door. Federal immigration agents were present to take him into custody.

Prosecution Details a Deliberate Interference

The case centers on events at the Milwaukee County courthouse. Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, 31, appeared for a hearing on a local battery charge. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents were waiting.

Alexander told jurors Dugan divided the arrest team. She allegedly directed some agents to speak with the chief judge. Meanwhile, she guided Flores-Ruiz out a back door to a public corridor.

The prosecutor said Dugan told her court reporter she would “take the heat” for her actions. The government lined up roughly two dozen witnesses. An FBI agent was the first to testify, using video evidence.

A Defense of Protocol and Political Context

Defense attorney Steven Biskupic presented a different story. He argued the judge had no intent to obstruct. Biskupic said Dugan was following courthouse policy by directing agents to the chief judge.

He noted other agents in the hallway chose not to arrest Flores-Ruiz immediately. They followed him outside instead. “Now, after the fact, everyone wants to blame Judge Dugan,” Biskupic said.

The trial occurs amid heightened political tension over immigration. Democrats suggest the case aims to intimidate judges who question immigration arrests. Republicans, including a congressman running for governor, have publicly condemned the judge.

Flores-Ruiz was eventually arrested after a foot chase. He has since been deported. The most serious charge against Dugan carries a maximum five-year prison sentence.

The outcome of this rare trial could set a significant precedent. It tests the limits of judicial authority against federal enforcement actions. The Wisconsin judge’s case is being watched closely by legal and political observers nationwide.

Info at your fingertips

Q1: What exactly is Judge Dugan accused of doing?

She is charged with obstruction and concealment. Prosecutors say she knowingly helped an immigrant, Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, leave a courthouse through a private door to avoid ICE agents waiting to arrest him.

Q2: What is the potential penalty if she is convicted?

The most serious charge is obstruction of a federal proceeding. It carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison. The trial’s outcome will determine her sentencing.

Q3: What happened to the immigrant involved?

Eduardo Flores-Ruiz was arrested after leaving the courthouse. He later pleaded no contest to the local battery charge. Federal authorities deported him in November.

Q4: Why is this case considered politically charged?

It occurred during a federal immigration crackdown. Some view it as an example of the administration targeting judicial opposition. Political figures from both parties have made strong statements about the case.

Q5: What is the core of her defense?

Her lawyer states she followed protocol by directing agents to the chief judge. He argues she had no intent to obstruct and that the agents on scene made their own decision not to arrest the man immediately.