Federal Judge Denies Immunity for Milwaukee Judge in ICE Obstruction Case

Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan has been indicted on federal charges for allegedly helping an undocumented immigrant evade arrest by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, a case that underscores tensions between President Donald Trump's administration and local authorities over immigration enforcement. Dugan is accused of concealing the individual and obstructing official proceedings by escorting him through a side exit to avoid ICE agents after learning of their presence in her courthouse. Despite her defense claim of judicial immunity for official acts, U.S. District Judge Lynn Adelman rejected her motion to dismiss the charges, ruling that judicial immunity does not apply to criminal cases involving obstruction or concealment. Dugan has pleaded not guilty and remains suspended from her judicial duties pending trial, with no trial date yet set. The case highlights the broader conflict between federal immigration policies under the Trump administration and challenges posed by local jurisdictions and judges. An upcoming scheduling hearing is set for September 3 to move the case forward.