Federal Jury Finds Milwaukee Judge Guilty After Courthouse Clash With ICE
Milwaukee — A federal jury last week convicted Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Hannah Dugan of a felony count of obstructing federal law enforcement, ending a highly unusual and politically charged trial that began in mid-December in U.S. District Court in Milwaukee.
The charges stem from an incident in April 2025, when federal immigration agents with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) showed up at the Milwaukee County Courthouse intending to arrest Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, an undocumented immigrant appearing in Dugan’s courtroom on unrelated state charges. Prosecutors argued that Dugan knowingly impeded the federal officers attempting to effect that arrest.
After about six hours of deliberations, the jury found Dugan guilty of obstructing an official proceeding — a felony — but acquitted her on a related misdemeanor charge of concealing a person to prevent arrest. Sentencing has not yet been scheduled.
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In court testimony and evidence played for the jury, audio recordings captured Dugan learning ICE agents were waiting near her courtroom and then directing them to meet with the chief judge before sending Flores-Ruiz and his attorney toward another exit. Prosecutors called this conduct an intentional effort to hinder federal authorities.
Dugan’s attorneys immediately signaled they would challenge the verdict. On Dec. 23, her legal team filed motions seeking both to overturn the guilty verdict and for a new trial, saying the jury instructions and mixed verdict raised serious legal questions.
The case has drawn national attention as a rare prosecution of a sitting judge and has sparked debate over immigration enforcement and the independence of the judiciary. Some lawmakers and commentators have said the conviction should lead to Dugan’s resignation or impeachment, citing state constitutional rules that bar convicted felons from holding office.
Supporters of Dugan argue she was following local courthouse procedures and lacked criminal intent, while critics say the verdict affirms that no official, including judges, is above federal law. As the legal fight continues, observers are watching closely what impact the outcome may have on broader clashes between local legal systems and federal immigration authorities.
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