Judge Arrested for Aiding Immigrant, Tensions Rise

Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan was arrested by the FBI and charged with both obstruction and concealing an individual after allegedly helping undocumented immigrant Eduardo Flores-Ruiz evade Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents at her courthouse on April 18. Federal authorities allege Dugan directed Flores-Ruiz and his attorney through a non-public exit while ICE agents waited elsewhere, which they claim endangered public safety. Flores-Ruiz was later apprehended by agents. The arrest has heightened tensions between the Trump administration and local officials, with the case drawing national attention to the power struggle over federal immigration enforcement. Dugan has denied wrongdoing, and her attorney stated she 'wholeheartedly regrets and protests her arrest.' The incident has sparked debate over the reach of federal authority and the legal responsibilities of local judges.