In a stunning turn of events, a Milwaukee County judge has landed in hot water after allegedly helping an illegal immigrant slip past federal agents inside a courthouse.
Judge Hannah Dugan found herself in FBI custody on Friday, April 25, after being slapped with charges of obstruction and concealing a fugitive to dodge arrest. The man at the center of the storm, Eduardo Flores Ruiz—a Mexican national with a 2013 deportation order hanging over him—had racked up multiple domestic abuse charges during his unlawful stay in the U.S.
“Breaking: FBI just arrested Judge Hannah Dugan in Milwaukee for obstructing an immigration arrest operation last week,” FBI Director Kash Patel announced in a fiery post on X.
According to the federal complaint, ICE officers had informed Dugan on April 18 that they had an administrative warrant ready to pick up Flores Ruiz. But instead of cooperating, Dugan allegedly led Ruiz and his attorney out through a side jury door, dodging the agents stationed at the courthouse entrance. Despite the apparent escape attempt, Ruiz was caught shortly after.
Dugan’s arrest, which happened right inside the courthouse Friday morning, sent shockwaves through legal circles. After a brief court appearance, she was released, with her lawyer blasting the arrest as “wholly unjust.”
Federal prosecutors, however, aren’t buying it. They’re pushing ahead, raising major concerns over a sitting judge’s decision to allegedly help an undocumented—and reportedly violent—offender dodge federal authorities. If found guilty, Judge Dugan could be staring down a six-year prison sentence.
The case has ignited fresh debates about immigration enforcement, judicial responsibility, and whether anyone—regardless of the robe they wear—should be above the law.
