Milwaukee Judge Faces Federal Charges for Obstructing ICE Arrest

Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan faces federal obstruction and concealment charges after allegedly helping an individual evade U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents at her courthouse. Dugan claims judicial immunity, arguing she acted within her official duties and that the federal prosecution violates state sovereignty and constitutional separation of powers. However, U.S. District Judge Lynn Adelman rejected her immunity defense, ruling that no broad judicial immunity protects judges from criminal prosecution for acts outside their judicial role, allowing the case to proceed. The prosecution forms part of President Donald Trump’s broader immigration enforcement efforts targeting local resistance, with Democrats accusing the administration of using Dugan’s case as a warning to deter opposition to deportations. Dugan pleaded not guilty and may appeal the decision to the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals; a hearing is scheduled for September. If convicted, she could face significant fines and prison time.