Trial Set for Milwaukee Judge Accused of Aiding ICE Arrest Evasion

Wisconsin Judge Hannah Dugan will stand trial in December after deciding not to appeal a federal ruling that rejected her attempt to dismiss charges accusing her of helping a man evade U.S. immigration agents in her courtroom. Dugan, suspended with pay by the Wisconsin Supreme Court, faces charges of concealing an individual to prevent arrest and obstruction, with potential penalties of up to six years in prison and a $350,000 fine. The case has drawn national attention amid President Donald Trump's administration's efforts to confront local resistance to its immigration policies, with Democrats alleging the administration is using Dugan's case to deter judicial opposition. Dugan contends she acted within her judicial capacity and claims immunity from prosecution, but U.S. District Judge Lynn Adelman ruled that there is no established immunity protecting judges from criminal prosecution for such acts. Prosecutors accuse Dugan of escorting Eduardo Flores-Ruiz and his lawyer out of the courtroom through a back door after learning ICE agents were seeking to arrest him for illegal presence. The trial is scheduled to begin December 15, with jury selection starting December 11.