The Wisconsin Supreme Court has suspended Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan after she was hit with federal charges for allegedly interfering with a lawful immigration arrest—an explosive case that is raising serious concerns about judicial bias and the politicization of the bench.
According to federal prosecutors, Judge Dugan actively obstructed federal agents from carrying out an arrest warrant against an illegal immigrant at the Milwaukee County Courthouse. The individual, Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, is a previously deported Mexican national who reentered the U.S. illegally and is facing charges related to domestic abuse.
Court records reveal that on April 18, 2025, Judge Dugan became aware that ICE agents were in the courthouse to apprehend Flores-Ruiz. Rather than allowing the arrest to proceed, Dugan allegedly misled the agents by directing them to another judge’s chambers—deliberately stalling their efforts. She then reportedly led Flores-Ruiz and his attorney through a restricted area and out a non-public exit, allowing him to temporarily escape federal custody.
Flores-Ruiz was eventually captured outside the courthouse following a brief foot chase. But the damage was done—and now the fallout has reached the state’s highest court.
In response, the Wisconsin Supreme Court issued an emergency order suspending Dugan from the bench. The justices declared that the suspension was necessary to “maintain public confidence in the integrity of the judiciary” while legal proceedings are underway.
The charges against Dugan are serious. If convicted, she faces up to 15 years in federal prison. Her legal defense team includes high-profile attorneys, including former U.S. Solicitor General Paul Clement and former U.S. Attorney Steven Biskupic, who have issued statements maintaining Dugan’s innocence and challenging the basis of the suspension.
The case has ignited outrage among critics who say Dugan abused her judicial authority to interfere with law enforcement and aid an illegal immigrant facing serious criminal charges. They argue the incident is part of a troubling pattern in sanctuary jurisdictions where political ideology takes precedence over the rule of law.
Conservatives across Wisconsin have called for Dugan’s resignation, citing not just the criminal allegations but what they see as a betrayal of her oath to uphold the law without prejudice. Many are also calling for broader investigations into how widespread this kind of interference might be within the state’s legal system.
As Dugan prepares for her arraignment scheduled for May 15, 2025, the case is likely to become a flashpoint in national debates over immigration enforcement, judicial activism, and public safety.
For many observers, this isn’t just about one judge—it’s about whether the American justice system still holds everyone accountable, regardless of their politics or position.