Milwaukee Judge Arrested for Allegedly Assisting Immigration Evader

MILWAUKEE -- A Milwaukee judge was arrested by the FBI on allegations of aiding a man in evading immigration authorities, intensifying the ongoing tensions between local officials and the federal government regarding immigration enforcement.

Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Hannah Dugan reportedly escorted an individual, identified as Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, and his attorney out of her courtroom through a restricted jury door after being informed that immigration agents were seeking his arrest. Following this incident, Flores-Ruiz was apprehended outside the courthouse after a brief pursuit by federal agents.

The arrest highlights the escalating conflict between the Trump administration and local jurisdictions over immigration enforcement. The administration has consistently accused local officials of obstructing federal immigration priorities. This situation also raises broader concerns regarding the relationship between the executive branch and the judiciary, particularly in light of the president's executive orders on deportations.

Judge Dugan was detained on the courthouse premises and later appeared briefly in federal court, where she was released. She faces charges for allegedly concealing an individual to prevent his discovery and arrest, as well as obstructing or impeding a legal proceeding.

In response to her arrest, Dugan's attorney expressed her regret, arguing that the arrest was not in the interest of public safety. Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers criticized the Trump administration for what he described as dangerous rhetoric aimed at undermining the judiciary.

Supporters of Judge Dugan rallied outside the courthouse, emphasizing her commitment to upholding due process within the legal system. The case has drawn parallels to a previous incident in Massachusetts, where a judge was accused of helping a defendant evade immigration enforcement, sparking significant backlash from legal professionals who viewed the prosecution as politically motivated.

According to court documents, Judge Dugan became aware of the presence of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in the courthouse through her clerk. Witness accounts detail her visible anger upon learning of the immigration agents' presence, describing her as confrontational with law enforcement regarding the arrest warrant for Flores-Ruiz.

After engaging with ICE agents, Dugan allegedly led them to the office of the chief judge before returning to her courtroom. She then directed Flores-Ruiz and his lawyer through a jury door, an unusual route typically reserved for deputies and in-custody defendants. This action raised eyebrows as it deviated from standard courtroom procedures.

Flores-Ruiz, who is facing misdemeanor domestic battery charges, was reportedly in Dugan's courtroom for a related hearing when the immigration situation unfolded. He has a history of immigration violations, having re-entered the U.S. after being deported in 2013.

The Justice Department has indicated a commitment to investigate local officials who hinder federal immigration efforts, with potential criminal charges looming for those who obstruct or impede federal functions. Judge Dugan's case will likely continue to draw scrutiny as it unfolds, with implications for the judiciary's autonomy amidst federal immigration enforcement actions.