New footage shows Wisconsin Judge confronting ICE before assisting Inmigrant suspect's escape
Judge accused of helping undocumented immigrant evade ICE custody, igniting national debate over judicial independence, immigration policy, and federal authority.
Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan is facing federal charges for allegedly aiding an undocumented immigrant, Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, in avoiding arrest from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, after surveillance footage appears to catch Judge Dugan confronting ICE agents in the courtyard hallway, directing them to speak to the chief judge, and helping Flores-Ruiz and his attorney through a juror-only exit. Flores-Ruiz was subsequently arrested by ICE agents after fleeing the courthouse hereafter.
The situation has created quite a stir, and here, federal prosecutors charged Judge Dugan with obstruction of proceedings before a U.S. agency and concealment of an individual subject to arrest. If convicted, she can sentence for 6 years.
Judge faces National Scrutiny over Immigration case amid DOJ crackdown on local interference
Judge Dugan has entered a plea of not guilty to all charges, and her attorneys have filed a motion to dismiss based on judicial immunity for her official acts. The case has generated national interest, highlighting the tensions between federal enforcement of immigration law and local judicial action.
The Department of Justice, under President Trump's administration, has emphasized strict immigration enforcement. The department has been more focused than ever on scrutinizing local officials' behavior which may appear to obstruct federal enforcement of immigration law. In this case, some view the judge's actions as a part of the department's enforcement strategy.
Judge Dugan’s case sparks debate over Federal overreach and Judicial Independence ahead of July Trial
Judge Dugan's supporters contend that the prosecution represents an overreach of federal government and harms judicial independence and that her actions were within her judicial duties in providing due process to defendants.
The case continues to unfold, with a pretrial hearing on July 9 and a jury trial scheduled for July 21. Flores-Ruiz remains in federal custody with charges of re-entering the U.S. unlawfully after a 2013 deportation, ending a separate domestic violence trial in Milwaukee County.
