Wisconsin Judge Arrested for Allegedly Aiding Undocumented Immigrant’s Escape

Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan has been arrested by the FBI after allegedly helping an undocumented immigrant evade arrest by federal agents during a court appearance.

The arrest took place on Friday morning, following an incident involving Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, a Mexican national facing three misdemeanor battery charges.

According to federal authorities, Judge Dugan is accused of intentionally helping Flores-Ruiz exit the courthouse through a restricted side door, avoiding detention by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and FBI agents waiting to apprehend him.

Dugan has been charged with obstruction and concealing a person from arrest—offenses that could carry a combined sentence of up to six years in prison if she is convicted.

During a Friday court hearing, Dugan’s attorney stated that the judge “wholeheartedly regrets and protests her arrest,” claiming it was not warranted in the interest of public safety. She was released on her own recognizance and is scheduled to appear in court again on May 15.

Court filings reveal that an immigration judge issued a warrant for Flores-Ruiz’s arrest on April 17. When he appeared in court the next day for a separate legal matter, ICE and FBI officers were present to take him into custody.

However, according to an FBI affidavit, Judge Dugan redirected several federal agents to the office of the county’s chief judge before escorting Flores-Ruiz and his attorney out through a jury exit.

Flores-Ruiz, who was previously deported from the U.S. in 2013, was apprehended minutes later after a brief foot chase.

Commenting on the incident, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi wrote on X, “No one is above the law,” following news of Dugan’s arrest.

Judge Dugan, first elected in 2016 and re-elected in 2022, holds a non-partisan judicial seat, though she was publicly endorsed by Milwaukee’s Democratic mayor during her campaign.