Key Points – Judge Arrested
- Milwaukee judge Hannah Dugan arrested by FBI
- Accused of helping illegal migrant avoid ICE capture
- Incident occurred at Milwaukee County Courthouse
- Allegedly opened side door to let suspect escape
- ICE ramping up courthouse arrests under Trump
- Sparks backlash from Democrats, including Gwen Moore
- Follows another judge arrest in New Mexico over gang ties
Judge Arrested After Allegedly Aiding Migrant’s Escape
The Trump administration’s crackdown on illegal immigration has taken a dramatic turn. A sitting judge was arrested Friday morning, sending shockwaves through the legal world. Judge Hannah Dugan of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, was taken into custody at 8 a.m. at the Milwaukee County Courthouse.
The FBI claims Dugan interfered with a federal arrest operation by helping an illegal migrant slip past ICE agents. She now faces obstruction of justice charges and remains in federal custody. The arrest marks a rare and explosive moment in the ongoing political and legal battle over immigration enforcement.
FBI Director Kash Patel posted the news on social media just minutes after the arrest. “Right NOW the FBI has arrested Judge Hannah Dugan of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, for obstructing justice,” he wrote.
ICE Agents Say Judge Blocked Their Arrest
The incident centers on the attempted detention of Eduardo Flores Ruiz, a 30-year-old illegal migrant from Mexico. He was due in court on April 18 to face assault charges. ICE agents were waiting with a federal detainer order. But something unexpected happened.
According to the FBI, Judge Dugan distracted the agents, then allowed Flores Ruiz to exit through a side hallway. The man reportedly slipped past federal officers and fled the courthouse. After a short foot chase, ICE agents finally caught and arrested him.
FBI officials say Dugan’s actions “put the public at greater risk” and amounted to a deliberate obstruction of federal law.
The arrest has sparked nationwide controversy. Milwaukee County officials confirmed the judge’s arrest but urged calm. “We should allow the facts to come forward and let the legal process play out,” said County Executive David Crowley.
Democratic Congresswoman Gwen Moore expressed outrage, calling the arrest “shocking.” She accused federal authorities of overreach and warned of political motives behind the move.
But supporters of Trump’s policies praised the arrest. They say it proves that no one, not even a judge, is above immigration law.
ICE Steps Up Under Trump’s New Rules
Under former President Joe Biden, ICE was prohibited from conducting arrests inside courthouses. That policy is now gone. With Trump back in office, the rules have changed. ICE is once again detaining undocumented migrants immediately after court hearings.
The Milwaukee courthouse was already under scrutiny. In the days leading up to the judge’s arrest, ICE agents had arrested two other migrants after separate court appearances. Friday’s incident was the third such operation in a single week.
Critics say the new tactics create fear in immigrant communities. But federal officials insist that public safety demands tough enforcement.
This isn’t the first arrest of a judge during Trump’s second term. Just weeks ago, a former district judge and his wife in New Mexico were arrested. Authorities accused them of harboring a fugitive gang member tied to the Venezuelan crime syndicate “Tren de Aragua.”
That case shocked the legal world and added to rising tensions between local officials and federal law enforcement.
Now, the Wisconsin case has only fueled speculation that the Trump administration is cracking down on judges who push back against immigration raids.
Side Door Escape Adds Drama to Case
The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported that Dugan allowed the defendant to exit her courtroom through a rarely used hallway. ICE agents had been waiting at the main entrance. But by the time they realized what had happened, Flores Ruiz was already outside.
He didn’t get far. After a brief chase through nearby streets, agents caught up to him. He was handcuffed and taken into ICE custody.
Still, the FBI insists Dugan’s intervention was intentional. They say she disrupted the arrest knowingly—and now must answer for it.
The arrest has left many in the legal world stunned. Some warn it sets a dangerous precedent. Others argue that federal law must apply equally to all, including judges.
So far, Dugan has not made any public statements. Her legal team is expected to issue a response in the coming days.
In the meantime, political debate is raging. Supporters say Trump is finally holding public officials accountable. Critics say it’s an authoritarian overstep.
What’s Next in This Explosive Case?
With Dugan in custody and Flores Ruiz now detained, all eyes are on the Department of Justice. Will more arrests follow? Will other judges face similar scrutiny?
The case may become a turning point in how immigration laws are enforced in the courtroom. For now, one thing is certain: the Trump administration’s latest move has rattled the bench—and sent a clear message.
