Why This Matters
The conviction of a sitting state judge for obstructing federal law enforcement has intensified national debate over immigration enforcement, judicial authority, and whether elected officials can intervene in federal operations without crossing legal boundaries.
A federal jury has found Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah C. Dugan guilty of felony obstruction after concluding she interfered with federal immigration agents during an attempted arrest inside her courtroom.
The verdict stems from an incident earlier this year in which Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers were present at the courthouse to arrest Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, an undocumented migrant described by the Department of Homeland Security as a violent offender.
Jury Finds Judge Interfered With Federal Arrest
Prosecutors argued that Judge Dugan deliberately misdirected federal agents who were waiting in a courthouse corridor, then facilitated Flores-Ruiz’s exit through a restricted jury door normally closed to the public.
According to trial testimony and audio evidence presented by federal authorities, Dugan confronted the agents, questioned the legitimacy of their warrant, and diverted them long enough to allow Flores-Ruiz and his attorney to leave the courtroom through the alternate exit.
Flores-Ruiz was later apprehended outside the courthouse following a brief foot pursuit and was subsequently deported from the United States.
Mixed Verdict Returned
While the jury convicted Dugan on the felony obstruction charge, she was acquitted of a related misdemeanor count of concealment. Jurors deliberated for approximately six hours before reaching their decision.
The panel consisted of seven men and five women drawn from multiple Wisconsin counties, according to reporting from The New York Times.
Defense Says Judge Acted Without Criminal Intent
Dugan’s attorneys maintained throughout the trial that she did not act corruptly and was instead attempting to follow draft courthouse protocols related to immigration enforcement actions.
In a statement following the verdict, her legal team expressed disappointment while emphasizing that the acquittal on one charge leaves room for further legal challenges. They indicated that fundraising efforts would continue as they prepare for the next phase of the case.
Federal Authorities Respond
Federal officials characterized the conviction as a clear message that no public official is above the law. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche stated that obstructing federal enforcement operations, regardless of position, would not be tolerated.
The Department of Homeland Security said Flores-Ruiz had previously been removed from the United States after illegally entering the country in 2013, then later reentered without authorization. DHS records also cited prior violent criminal charges, including domestic abuse-related offenses.
Judge Removed From Bench
Judge Dugan, 66, has been on administrative leave since April and was temporarily removed from the bench by the Wisconsin Supreme Court while the case proceeded. She has continued to receive her annual judicial salary during that period.
Under Wisconsin law, a felony conviction disqualifies an individual from holding judicial office, effectively ending Dugan’s tenure on the bench.
What Comes Next
The obstruction conviction carries a potential sentence of up to five years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been scheduled.
The case has become a flashpoint amid the Trump administration’s aggressive nationwide immigration enforcement efforts, particularly actions carried out in courthouses and other public institutions.
Source: Newsweek.com
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