Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan, left, arrives at the Milwaukee Federal Building & U.S. Courthouse on Dec. 18, 2025, in Milwaukee. (Credit: Jovanny Hernandez /Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
A federal jury Thursday convicted a Milwaukee judge who helped an illegal immigrant briefly evade capture by United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents.
The jury’s verdict came after a four-day trial, in which Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Hannah Dugan was convicted on the felony obstruction charge, but acquitted of a misdemeanor count of concealing an individual to prevent an arrest, according to CBS News. Federal Bureau of Investigation agents arrested Dugan in April on felony obstruction charges after she allegedly misdirected ICE agents seeking to arrest an illegal immigrant by escorting the illegal immigrant out through a back door.
ICE agents sought to apprehend the illegal immigrant, Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, after a hearing on a battery charge in front of Judge Dugan in April, the Associated Press reported. Flores-Ruiz was captured by the ICE agents following a foot chase.
Former Wisconsin state judge Hannah Dugan betrayed her oath and the people she served when she obstructed federal law enforcement during an immigration enforcement operation.
Today, a federal jury of her peers found her guilty and sent a clear message: the American people respect law and order. Nobody is above the law. This Department will not tolerate obstruction, will enforce federal immigration law, and will hold criminals to account – even those who wear robes.
Thank you to the men and women who keep us safe. We will always protect you.
Former Wisconsin state judge Hannah Dugan betrayed her oath and the people she served when she obstructed federal law enforcement during an immigration enforcement operation.
Today, a federal jury of her peers found her guilty and sent a clear message: the American people…
— Todd Blanche (@DAGToddBlanche) December 19, 2025