The courtroom was silent as the verdict arrived: Milwaukee Judge Hannah Dugan, a figure of authority and the law, was found guilty of obstruction. The charge stemmed from a stunning accusation – that she actively intervened to help a man wanted by federal immigration authorities escape capture.
The jury’s decision wasn’t a clean sweep. While acquitted on a misdemeanor charge of concealing an individual, Dugan faced a far more serious consequence on the felony obstruction count. The weight of that conviction now hangs over her, carrying a potential sentence of up to five years in prison.
The case unfolded with remarkable speed. Federal prosecutors brought the charges in April, alleging Dugan deliberately hindered Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. The core of the accusation centered on an incident involving Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, a man facing domestic abuse allegations and also subject to deportation.
The narrative, as presented by the FBI, paints a picture of a judge reacting with anger upon learning ICE agents were waiting to arrest Flores-Ruiz outside her courtroom. Instead of allowing the arrest to proceed, she allegedly directed him to a private exit – a jury door – effectively allowing him to vanish before authorities could act.
FBI Director Kash Patel characterized Dugan’s actions as a deliberate attempt to mislead federal agents. He stated she “intentionally misdirected” the arrest team, actively working to thwart the lawful execution of their duties within the very walls of her courthouse.
Details from the criminal complaint revealed a confrontation between Dugan and the ICE agents. Video footage reportedly shows the judge, still in her robes, approaching the plainclothes agents within the courthouse halls, her demeanor described as confrontational.
Following the encounter, Flores-Ruiz and his attorney were observed discreetly exiting the courthouse through the designated jury door, a route typically reserved for jurors ensuring privacy and anonymity. This maneuver allowed Flores-Ruiz to evade immediate arrest and disappear into the city.
After six hours of deliberation, the jury delivered its verdict. Dugan and her legal team immediately retreated to a private conference room, closing the door and remaining silent as reporters sought comment. The implications of the conviction are significant, raising questions about judicial conduct and the boundaries of authority.
