Milwaukee County Judge Hannah Dugan has been found guilty of obstructing federal agents—a felony—after a jury determined she actively aided Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, a Mexican national previously deported and later convicted of violent crimes, in fleeing U.S. authorities. The ruling followed a trial where Dugan was relieved of her judicial duties by the Wisconsin Supreme Court earlier this year.
According to court records, federal agents from Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the FBI, and the Drug Enforcement Administration arrived at the Milwaukee County Courthouse on April 18, 2025, to arrest Flores-Ruiz during a pre-trial hearing overseen by Dugan. Upon learning of the agents’ presence, Dugan became visibly angry, called the situation “absurd,” left her bench, and entered chambers while Flores-Ruiz remained seated in the courtroom gallery.
The indictment detailed that Dugan took affirmative steps to facilitate Flores-Ruiz’s escape, including instructing court staff to allow him to exit through a side door. Video evidence captured Dugan reportedly telling a reporter, “I’ll get the heat.” Witnesses testified that her actions enabled Flores-Ruiz to flee into automobile traffic, leading to a dangerous chase where agents eventually apprehended him.
U.S. Attorney Brad Schimel emphasized that Dugan’s conduct endangered multiple individuals by allowing the fugitive to evade arrest in an unsecured environment. “The defendant’s actions provided an opportunity for a wanted subject to flee outside that safe courthouse environment,” Schimel stated, noting the risks of a foot chase through traffic and potential harm to both officers and suspects.
Tricia McLaughlin, acting assistant secretary for Homeland Security, noted Flores-Ruiz had a history of violent offenses, including strangulation and battery. She characterized Dugan’s actions as taking “activist judge” to “a whole new meaning.”
Dugan’s defense team argued that the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling in Trump v. United States granted her immunity from criminal prosecution for judicial acts, but the jury rejected this claim. The conviction carries a potential sentence of up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Dugan’s attorney has filed a motion requesting the verdict be overturned by U.S. District Judge Lynn Adelman.
The judge, who has been on administrative leave for months while contesting her case, continues to receive her full salary of $174,000 according to reports. Her actions have drawn sharp criticism from colleagues, including Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Kristela Cervera, who testified that “judges should not be helping defendants evade arrest.”
