Politics
Left-Wing Judge Resigns After Being Found Guilty Of Obstructing ICE Agents
Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Hannah Dugan has resigned from her position just days after she was convicted of obstructing federal immigration agents inside the courthouse. Dugan, who had been suspended from judicial duties since her federal charges in April 2025, stated in her letter to Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers that she was stepping down to allow for a permanent judge in her branch while she continues to pursue her legal appeal.
The case originated on April 18, 2025, at the Milwaukee County Courthouse. Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, a 31-year-old Mexican national who had previously been deported and unlawfully reentered the United States, appeared in Dugan’s courtroom for a hearing on state misdemeanor battery charges involving domestic abuse allegations.
Federal agents from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and other agencies arrived with an administrative warrant to arrest him on immigration violations after the hearing concluded.
Court records and trial evidence indicate that Dugan became aware of the agents waiting in the public hallway outside her courtroom. Video evidence showed Dugan approaching the agents and informing them that their administrative warrant was insufficient for an arrest in the courthouse.
While the agents were away, Dugan addressed Flores-Ruiz’s case off the record, informed his attorney that future appearances could be via Zoom, and escorted Flores-Ruiz and his attorney through a private jury door typically reserved for non-public use. Agents later observed Flores-Ruiz exiting and arrested him outside the building following a brief foot chase.
Flores-Ruiz subsequently pleaded guilty to unlawful reentry, received a time-served sentence, and was deported.
Hannah Dugan served as the judge for Branch 31 of the Milwaukee County Circuit Court in Wisconsin
Photo: TMJ4
Key evidence at trial included surveillance video showing Dugan’s interaction with agents in the hallway and audio recordings from her courtroom. In one recording, Dugan was heard telling her court reporter that she would “take the heat” for directing Flores-Ruiz out the side exit.
Federal agents testified that Dugan’s actions delayed their operation and described her tone as angry during the hallway encounter. A fellow judge further testified about concerns regarding the handling of the agents.
Last month, after a federal trial in Milwaukee and approximately six hours of deliberation, a jury found Dugan guilty of the felony charge of obstructing or impeding a federal proceeding. She was also found not guilty on one misdemeanor count of concealing a person from arrest.
The felony obstruction conviction carries a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison and a fine. As a first-time offender convicted of a non-violent offense, sentencing guidelines suggest a likelihood of probation or minimal incarceration. No sentencing date has been scheduled, as the court is awaiting resolution of post-trial motions, including a defense request to set aside the verdict.
Dugan’s legal team has indicated that the now former judge plans to appeal the verdict. Her resignation in the meantime will prevent a likely impeachment effort.
