A federal jury in Milwaukee has found a Wisconsin circuit court judge guilty of obstructing federal immigration enforcement, concluding a closely watched trial that raised questions about judicial authority and immigration policy.
Judge Hannah Dugan was convicted Thursday on a felony charge related to interference with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers during an incident at her courthouse earlier this year. After several hours of deliberation, jurors cleared her of a separate misdemeanor accusation connected to concealing an individual from arrest.
According to prosecutors, the case stems from an encounter last spring when ICE agents arrived at the courthouse to detain Eduardo Flores Ruiz, a Mexican national facing immigration violations. Court records and testimony indicated that Judge Dugan became aware of the agents’ presence outside her courtroom and challenged their authority to make the arrest, claiming their documentation was insufficient.
While the agents were temporarily redirected to speak with court administrators, Judge Dugan allegedly handled Flores Ruiz’s case privately and arranged for future court participation to occur remotely. Prosecutors said she then escorted the man and his attorney through a restricted exit not accessible to the public.
Federal agents later located Flores Ruiz elsewhere in the building and detained him after a brief pursuit outside the courthouse. Audio evidence presented during the trial included statements attributed to the judge acknowledging that her actions could carry consequences.
During closing arguments, the prosecution maintained that Judge Dugan knowingly interfered with a lawful arrest, arguing that her conduct reflected a deliberate decision rather than confusion. Defense attorneys countered that the judge acted within her discretion while navigating an unexpected and tense situation, insisting there was no criminal intent.
Judge Dugan did not testify during the proceedings. Her legal team expressed disappointment with the verdict and indicated plans to challenge the conviction through the appeals process.
Federal officials rejected claims that the case was politically driven, emphasizing that it centered on a specific incident rather than broader immigration debates. They also defended courthouse arrests as a security-conscious approach due to existing screening measures.
The verdict has intensified discussion nationwide over immigration enforcement practices and the role of judges when federal authorities operate within state courthouses. Several civic organizations criticized the prosecution, arguing it could undermine judicial independence and due process.
Flores Ruiz, whose arrest triggered the case, has since served his sentence for illegal entry and was deported earlier this year.
Judge Dugan was suspended from judicial duties following her arrest. Under Wisconsin law, a felony conviction disqualifies an individual from holding public office. State legislative leaders have stated that impeachment proceedings remain possible if she does not formally step down.
The judge faces a potential prison sentence of up to five years. No sentencing date has been announced.
