Federal Court Rejects Motion to Dismiss Charges Against Wisconsin Judge for Aiding Undocumented Immigrant

Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Hannah Dugan faces federal charges for allegedly helping an undocumented immigrant evade arrest by U.S. immigration authorities, including escorting the man out of her courthouse through a restricted door to avoid ICE agents. Dugan's defense asserts judicial immunity, claiming that her actions were official judicial acts protected from prosecution and that federal intervention violates state sovereignty. However, U.S. Magistrate Judge Nancy Joseph recommended denying Dugan's motion to dismiss, ruling that judicial immunity protects judges only from civil lawsuits, not criminal prosecution, when federal criminal laws are allegedly violated. The case underscores tensions between local judicial independence and the Trump administration's immigration enforcement policies, with Dugan's attorney vowing to appeal the recommendation as part of a broader effort to preserve court integrity. Dugan has pleaded not guilty and faces up to six years in prison and fines if convicted. The decision to proceed now rests with U.S. District Judge Lynn Adelman, who may accept or reject the magistrate's recommendation.