Milwaukee, WI – A federal jury has found Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Hannah Dugan guilty of obstructing federal immigration agents. The conviction stems from an incident in April of the previous year involving agents' attempt to arrest an undocumented immigrant defendant at the courthouse.
Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, a Mexican national, was in Judge Dugan's court for misdemeanor battery charges. Following a brief pursuit by immigration agents, Flores-Ruiz was arrested outside the courthouse and has since been deported. Judge Dugan was indicted the subsequent month on federal charges, including obstructing a proceeding (a felony) and concealing an individual to prevent an arrest (a misdemeanor). She pleaded not guilty to both charges, with the jury finding her not guilty of the misdemeanor.
Trial Proceedings
Federal agents testified during the trial that Judge Dugan approached them in a public hallway where they were awaiting Flores-Ruiz's exit. They stated she questioned their possession of a judicial warrant and directed them to speak with the chief judge. Agents further testified that Judge Dugan accelerated Flores-Ruiz's case and allowed him and his attorney to leave the courtroom through a jury door, which led to a public hallway.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelly Watzka, in the government's closing argument, alleged that Judge Dugan "rounded up" federal agents, sending them to the chief judge's office. Watzka further claimed Judge Dugan created an "escape route" for Flores-Ruiz by enabling him to exit via a door not typically used by defendants. Courtroom audio was presented, featuring Judge Dugan stating she would "take the heat" for her actions.
Defense Arguments
Judge Dugan's attorneys argued that the courthouse's immigration enforcement policy was ambiguous at the time, which they contended led to Judge Dugan's confusion. They also highlighted that Flores-Ruiz ultimately re-entered the public hallway after using the jury door, suggesting this demonstrated she was not attempting to conceal him. Judge Dugan did not testify.
Defense attorney Jason Luczak addressed the jury, stating, "You're the check on government overreach. Use your power to do justice in this case. You have the power to correct this unjust prosecution. It's your decision and justice is in your hands."
Policy Context
Prior to President Trump's first term, federal authorities, including immigration agents, typically avoided courthouses for enforcement actions. A policy implemented in 2018 granted agents broader authority in such locations, and immigration enforcement has reportedly intensified during his second term.