Wisconsin Judge Faces Federal Charges After Incident Involving Courtroom Exit and Arrest

Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Hannah Dugan is at the center of a federal controversy after being accused of aiding a defendant’s escape through a restricted courthouse exit, sparking national debate over judicial conduct and immigration enforcement boundaries.

The incident took place on April 18, when 33-year-old Eduardo Flores-Ruiz appeared in Judge Dugan’s courtroom on charges related to a domestic dispute. Unknown to many in the room, federal immigration agents were stationed nearby, ready to detain him due to his undocumented status. However, what happened after the hearing raised red flags.

Surveillance footage shows Judge Dugan speaking with ICE agents outside her courtroom. Prosecutors allege she diverted their attention by suggesting they speak to the chief judge. During this time, Flores-Ruiz, accompanied by his attorney, exited the courthouse through a restricted door normally reserved for jurors, avoiding the agents entirely. Moments later, cameras caught him running from the building before being apprehended outside by federal authorities.

One week after the incident, Judge Dugan was arrested and formally charged with obstruction of justice and concealing an individual to prevent arrest. On May 13, a grand jury indicted her, and she pleaded not guilty two days later. Her legal team has since filed a motion to dismiss the case, arguing that her decisions were part of her official duties and thus protected by judicial immunity.

The case continues to unfold. A pretrial hearing is scheduled for July 9, with the jury trial set to begin on July 21. Meanwhile, Eduardo Flores-Ruiz also faces separate federal charges for unlawful reentry into the United States after being deported in 2013. He too has pleaded not guilty and is expected back in court on June 24.

In response to the unfolding legal battle, the Wisconsin Supreme Court has issued an administrative order temporarily removing Judge Dugan from her duties pending further developments.

This unprecedented case has ignited discussion across legal and political circles about the limits of judicial discretion, the role of federal agents in local courts, and whether the actions taken by Judge Dugan were a breach of protocol or an act of civil defiance.