Trial of Milwaukee Judge Accused of Obstructing Immigration Arrest Continues

Wed Dec 17 2025 02:05:38 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

The trial of Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan focuses on her alleged role in facilitating the escape of an immigrant from federal authorities during an arrest at the courthouse.

Milwaukee Judge Hannah Dugan is facing charges of obstruction and concealment for allegedly helping an immigrant evade arrest. Testimonies indicate her interactions with federal agents complicated their efforts to detain the individual. Dugan's defense argues she was merely following courthouse policy. The case highlights the tensions surrounding immigration enforcement in the current political climate.

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Prosecutors presented their case on Tuesday, alleging that Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan obstructed federal authorities in their attempt to arrest an immigrant. The second day of the trial highlighted her contentious interactions with law enforcement officers present at the courthouse.

Dugan faces charges of obstruction and concealment stemming from her actions in April when she allegedly directed federal agents to the chief judge's office just as they were preparing to arrest Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, facilitating his escape through a private door.

Supporters of Dugan assert that these charges are unprecedented and politically motivated, with claims that they stem from President Trump's strict immigration policies targeting those who resist federal immigration procedures.

FBI agent Phillip Jackling testified about his concerns regarding the team's response when Dugan instructed agents to speak with the chief judge instead of apprehending Flores-Ruiz promptly. Another agent, Customs and Border Protection Supervisory Officer Joseph Zuraw, described feeling uneasy as Dugan appeared confrontational and deliberately redirected them away from making the arrest.

Complications escalated as agents followed Flores-Ruiz outside the courthouse, where they pursued him through traffic, leading to a potentially dangerous situation that could have been avoided had the arrest been executed within the building. Dugan's legal team contended that federal officers could have made the arrest at any moment and that she shouldn't be held responsible for their decisions.

Prosecutors intend to demonstrate that Dugan fully comprehended the implications of her actions when she allegedly aided the escape. Audio recordings presented in court capture Dugan discussing the potential fallout from her decisions, indicating she understood what was at stake.

The case is indicative of broader tensions related to immigration law enforcement and judicial independence. As the trial progresses, it remains to be seen how the outcomes of these proceedings will impact future interactions between local courts and federal immigration enforcement.

Flores-Ruiz faced state battery charges and was scheduled for a hearing in front of Dugan on the day of the incident. Following his arrest, he was deported several months later. The maximum penalty for obstruction could result in up to five years in prison, although judges hold significant discretion in sentencing.

The trial is expected to continue through Thursday.