In a move that has ignited a firestorm of political and legal controversy, the FBI arrested Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan on Friday, April 25, 2025, on federal charges of obstruction and concealing an individual to prevent arrest. The arrest stems from allegations that Judge Dugan assisted an undocumented immigrant, Eduardo Flores Ruiz, in evading detention by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents at the Milwaukee County Courthouse.
According to federal authorities, Judge Dugan allegedly misdirected ICE agents and facilitated Ruiz’s exit through a private area of the courthouse, hindering his arrest. Ruiz, who faces charges including strangulation, battery, and domestic abuse, was later apprehended after a brief pursuit. Judge Dugan appeared in federal court on Friday morning, was released on her own recognizance, and is scheduled to return for a hearing on May 15 .
The arrest has drawn sharp criticism from Democratic leaders and civil liberties advocates, who view it as an unprecedented attack on judicial independence. Senator Bernie Sanders condemned the action, stating, “Trump’s arrest of Judge Dugan in Milwaukee has nothing to do with immigration. It has everything to do with his moving this country toward authoritarianism” . Similarly, Representative Gwen Moore of Milwaukee expressed alarm over the administration’s “willingness to weaponize federal law enforcement,” calling the arrest a serious matter that could intimidate judges and undermine the separation of powers .
Conversely, Republican officials have defended the arrest as a necessary enforcement of immigration laws. Wisconsin State Assembly Majority Leader Tyler August praised the FBI’s actions, asserting that Judge Dugan’s alleged conduct, if proven, would warrant decisive action by the legislature .
Judge Dugan, a former executive director of Catholic Charities and a legal aid attorney, has denied any wrongdoing. Her attorneys have vowed a vigorous defense, emphasizing her commitment to the rule of law and due process. Supporters have rallied outside the courthouse, decrying the arrest as a politically motivated overreach.
This case marks the first time a sitting judge has been arrested for allegedly obstructing immigration enforcement, setting a contentious precedent. Legal experts warn that such actions could have a chilling effect on judicial independence and raise concerns about the politicization of federal law enforcement agencies.
As the nation watches closely, the outcome of this case may have far-reaching implications for the balance of power between state judiciaries and federal immigration authorities.
