Judge Hannah Dugan resigned from the Milwaukee bench after federal authorities charged her with obstructing justice by interfering with Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents during an arrest attempt.
The charges stemmed from an incident on April 18, 2025, when ICE agents were scheduled to arrest Eduardo Flores‑Ruiz, a defendant facing domestic violence charges, at the courthouse. Dugan left her courtroom, questioned the validity of the administrative warrant, and instructed the agents to leave the building.
After the agents departed, Dugan handled the case off record, scheduled a status conference, and permitted Flores‑Ruiz to appear via video. She then directed the defendant and his attorney to exit through a side door, effectively allowing the defendant to escape the courthouse.
Federal and FBI agents pursued the defendant immediately, and he was later apprehended. The incident highlighted safety risks to law‑enforcement personnel in a crowded, rainy environment.
The Department of Justice indicted Dugan for her conduct. A federal jury found her guilty of obstruction of justice, and the case was brought to trial.
Sentencing guidelines suggested a recommended imprisonment range of 15 to 21 months, with a maximum of 60 months. Dugan had no prior criminal record, but the severity of her misconduct outweighed mitigating factors.
Despite the recommended sentence, Dugan was not sentenced to prison and remains free. The case illustrates the importance of holding judicial officials accountable for misconduct.
