Milwaukee Judge Arrested, Charged with Obstructing ICE Enforcement

Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan was arrested on April 25, 2025, accused of helping Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, an undocumented immigrant facing battery charges, evade federal immigration agents at the courthouse. Federal prosecutors allege that Judge Dugan directed ICE agents away from her courtroom and escorted Flores-Ruiz through a non-public area, allowing him to avoid arrest. This rare event has escalated tensions over U.S. immigration enforcement, highlighting the clash between local judiciary actions and federal policy, particularly under President Donald Trump's administration. The public nature of Dugan's arrest was criticized by legal experts as unusually conspicuous, possibly intended to send a strong message. Her arrest has also sparked protests from supporters who view the charges as part of a broader conflict over immigration enforcement. Authorities, including the Attorney General, have emphasized that 'no one is above the law.'