On April 25, Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan was charged with two felonies on allegations she tried to assist an undocumented immigrant to avoid arrest after he appeared in her courtroom.
In a 13-page complaint, Dugan, 65, is accused of obstructing a U.S. agency and concealing Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, a Mexican immigrant, to prevent his arrest. Flores-Ruiz is facing three misdemeanor battery counts.
The two charges against Dugan carry a maximum penalty of six years in prison and a $350,000 fine.
Here’s what to know about her charges and upcoming court date.
When will Judge Hannah Dugan appear in court again?
Dugan is scheduled for a May 15 preliminary hearing and possible arraignment before Magistrate Judge Stephen C. Dries.
What evidence did investigators share about Dugan’s alleged misconduct?
According to the complaint:
Ahead of Flores-Ruiz’s court hearing, members of the Milwaukee Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations Task Force developed a plan to arrest Flores-Ruiz in a public area outside of Dugan’s courtroom.
Witnesses told investigators that Dugan guided Flores-Ruiz and his attorney to a jury door that leads to a private hallway solely used by deputies, juries, court staff, and in-custody defendants being escorted by deputies.
Because the hallway was not accessible to the public, the complaint says, Flores-Ruiz was intentionally concealed from arrest.
Flores-Ruiz was apprehended by FBI agents and ICE officials after a footchase outside the courthouse.
Will Dugan face a trial?
Dugan is facing federal criminal charges; her case will eventually go before a grand jury.
The U.S. Attorney for Wisconsin’s Eastern District will present evidence to the grand jury to determine whether there is “probable cause” to believe a crime has been committed by Dugan.
Grand juries usually consist of 16 to 23 members.
If the grand jury decides there is enough evidence, it returns an indictment against the defendant. An indictment is a formal notice that the individual has committed a crime.
A grand jury does not decide civil disputes or determine guilt or innocence, according to the United States District Court.
Is Dugan still doing work as a judge?
No.
Dugan’s cases are being handled by Judge Laura Crivello, according to a sign on her courtroom door.
Can Dugan be removed from her role as a circuit court judge?
Wisconsin Republican lawmakers signaled they may act to remove Dugan if the obstruction charges against her are “confirmed.”
Lawmakers can remove sitting judges through an impeachment proceeding beginning in the Assembly, or a process known as removal by address.
More: Wisconsin Republicans signal they want to remove Judge Hannah Dugan. Here’s how that may work.
How have Wisconsin officials responded to Dugan’s arrest?
Dozens of Wisconsin lawmakers have commented on Dugan’s arrest. Several Republican lawmakers have voiced their support for the arrest; many Democratic officials stated that Dugan’s arrest is an intimidation tactic aimed to place pressure on attorneys and judges who do not express bold support for the Trump administration’s immigration policies.
Wisconsin state Sen. Chris Larson wrote in an X post that “the arrest of Judge Hannah Dugan was announced by FBI Director Kash Patel’s on social media is indicative of the true goal of this action – to intimidate other judges into complying with this admin’s authoritarian goals.”
Former Republican Gov. Scott Walker said lawmakers should meet “ASAP” in a special legislative session known as an extraordinary session to remove Dugan.
“The Members of the Wisconsin Legislature should vote to remove disgraced Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Hannah Dugan from office,” he said in a post on X.
Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley said called the arrest “a direct attack” on the system of checks and balances and separation of powers during a press conference.
Crowley also said the large law enforcement presence involved in Flores-Ruiz’s arrest was “performative.”
“It is clear the FBI is politicizing this situation to make an example of her and others across the country who oppose these attacks on the judicial system and our nation’s immigration laws,” Crowley said, adding his office is continuing to have discussions with law enforcement and other agencies about the case.
Tamia Fowlkes is a Public Investigator reporter for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. She can be reached at [email protected].
