In a significant legal development in Wisconsin, the state’s Supreme Court has suspended Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan amidst allegations of obstruction related to immigration enforcement. The court made the decision to relieve Judge Dugan temporarily from her duties as she faces federal charges.
The judge was arrested by the FBI last Friday at the county courthouse and is accused of two counts: concealing an individual to prevent discovery and obstructing a federal proceeding. Her suspension was deemed necessary by the court to maintain public confidence in the Wisconsin judicial system while the legal proceedings unfold. This action was taken independently by the court, which is presently controlled by a 4-3 majority of liberal justices, and not prompted by any formal external request.
“We regrettably note the court’s unilateral decision in this matter,” stated Judge Dugan’s legal representatives, emphasizing their belief in her innocence and expressing anticipation for her to be cleared in the upcoming trial. Meanwhile, a reserve judge has assumed Judge Dugan’s responsibilities, effective since Monday, to ensure continuity in the court’s operations.
This legal controversy ensued from an event where Judge Dugan reportedly assisted Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, who had previously been deported from the United States in 2013, in evading detention by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. According to court filings, upon discovering that ICE agents were present, Judge Dugan allegedly guided Flores-Ruiz and his lawyer out through a private jury door, typically reserved for court staff and in-custody defendants.
The incident reportedly unfolded after Dugan appeared visibly unsettled by the presence of immigration officers at the courthouse, which led her to communicate with the arrest team in a manner described as confrontational. The FBI affidavit outlines that she later redirected the agents to speak with the chief judge and eventually led Flores-Ruiz through a restricted area out of their reach, an action that was unusual and deviated from standard procedures.
Judge Dugan’s arrest has caught the attention of political and community activists, with several Democrats alleging an attempt by the Trump administration to intimidate the judiciary. The arrest sparked protests outside the FBI’s Milwaukee field office as demonstrators rallied on Saturday to express their dissent over the situation.
Set to appear in court for arraignment on May 15th, Judge Dugan has an esteemed legal team comprising Craig Mastantuono, Paul Clement, a recognized conservative attorney, and Steve Biskupic, a former U.S. attorney for Wisconsin’s Eastern District. They will argue the case as it unfolds, bringing attention to both the legal charges and broader implications about judicial independence in matters of immigration policy enforcement.
This case continues to stir significant public and political interest, emphasizing ongoing tensions surrounding immigration and the roles played by various branches of government.