Wisconsin Judge Hannah Dugan Resigns Amid Obstruction Conviction

Mon Jan 05 2026 03:37:58 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Hannah Dugan resigns from her judicial position following a conviction for obstruction after aiding an undocumented immigrant. Dugan cites ongoing legal battles as a distraction from her duties.

Wisconsin Judge Hannah Dugan has submitted her resignation after being convicted of felony obstruction for assisting an undocumented immigrant evade federal authorities. In her resignation letter, she expressed the need to remove distractions from the judiciary while emphasizing her commitment to justice over the ongoing political and legal challenges she faces. The situation has drawn significant attention from both Republican officials seeking to impeach her and Democrats who support her stance.

Wisconsin Judge Hannah Dugan has officially resigned from her position, following a conviction last month for obstruction. Dugan was found guilty of assisting an immigrant evade federal immigration officers during an arrest outside her courtroom.

Sent on Saturday, her resignation letter arrives amidst plans by Republican lawmakers to initiate impeachment proceedings against her after her December 19 conviction.

In her letter, Dugan emphasized her dedication over the past ten years to the judiciary and maintaining a respectful and dignified courtroom environment. However, she expressed that the legal challenges she is currently facing have become a significant distraction from her judicial responsibilities.

As you know, I am the subject of unprecedented federal legal proceedings, Dugan wrote. These proceedings present immense challenges that threaten the independence of our judiciary. I will forfeit my position as a judge to continue this fight for the integrity of our judicial system.”

Her legal troubles began when federal prosecutors alleged she obstructed immigration officers attempting to arrest a Mexican national outside her courtroom in April. The jury convicted her of felony obstruction due to her actions that led the immigrant away through a private door.

The case has gained national attention, particularly as it was highlighted by President Donald Trump amid a nationwide crackdown on immigration. Supporters of Dugan have argued that the legal action against her is politically motivated.

Republican Wisconsin Assembly Speaker Robin Vos praised Dugan's decision to resign, stating it followed the clear direction provided by the state constitution. In contrast, Democrat Ann Jacobs commended Dugan for her commitment to justice, even amidst personal legal struggles. Jacobs emphasized the need for judicial continuity within Milwaukee.

On April 18, immigration authorities arrived at the Milwaukee County courthouse to apprehend 31-year-old Eduardo Flores-Ruiz for illegal reentry. Dugan confronted the agents, asserting their warrant was insufficient, after which she allegedly facilitated Flores-Ruiz's departure from the courthouse. Following the incident, Flores-Ruiz was later arrested by agents after a brief chase.