Milwaukee Judge Arrested by FBI for Allegedly Aiding Undocumented Immigrant in Evading Arrest
April 25, 2025
A Milwaukee County Circuit Court judge, Hannah Dugan, is at the center of a growing legal and political storm after being arrested by the FBI on allegations that she interfered with a federal immigration arrest operation involving an undocumented immigrant.
The arrest, confirmed by federal authorities on Friday, stems from accusations that Judge Dugan obstructed the efforts of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents who were attempting to detain Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, a Mexican national previously ordered for expedited removal in 2013.
Allegations of Interference in a Federal Operation
According to an unsealed criminal complaint, Judge Dugan faces two felony charges: obstructing and impeding a federal proceeding, and concealing an individual to prevent discovery and arrest. These charges carry a potential prison sentence of up to six years if convicted.
The incident reportedly took place on April 18 during a scheduled court appearance by Flores-Ruiz for a pretrial conference related to three misdemeanor battery and domestic abuse charges tied to a March 12 incident.
Federal agents, acting under an administrative warrant, arrived at the courthouse to detain Flores-Ruiz. Witnesses cited in the complaint state that Judge Dugan became visibly agitated upon learning of ICE's presence, allegedly describing the situation as "absurd" before retreating to her chambers.
The complaint alleges that she and another unidentified judge then confronted the arrest team in a public hallway, questioning the legitimacy of their warrant and ultimately redirecting the officers to the office of the court’s chief judge.
Despite being informed of the administrative warrant, Judge Dugan is said to have escorted Flores-Ruiz and his attorney through a restricted area of the courthouse, effectively guiding them away from federal agents.
Escape Attempt and Subsequent Arrest
Flores-Ruiz was later spotted in a courthouse hallway by a DEA agent and was observed trying to avoid apprehension. As he exited the building, FBI and DEA personnel attempted to detain him, prompting Flores-Ruiz to flee on foot. He was apprehended shortly afterward, according to the complaint.
Judge Dugan was arrested later that morning at the courthouse and appeared the same day before the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin. She did not enter a plea and was released on her own recognizance.
Her attorney, Craig Mastantuono, condemned the arrest, arguing that it lacked justification and did not serve public safety. “Judge Dugan wholeheartedly protests the arrest,” he stated in court.
Political Fallout and Public Reaction
The arrest has sparked significant backlash from local and state officials. Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson criticized the FBI’s tactics, accusing them of “showboating” and intimidating individuals who rely on the court system.
“They’re turning the courthouse into a battleground,” Johnson said. “This sends the wrong message to our community.”
Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers issued a broader statement that, while not mentioning Dugan by name, condemned what he described as federal overreach and attempts by the Trump administration to undermine the judiciary.
“I continue to place trust in the rule of law and our courts as this situation unfolds,” Evers remarked.
Background on Flores-Ruiz
Federal prosecutors allege that Eduardo Flores-Ruiz illegally entered the U.S. from Mexico and was subject to an expedited removal order issued over a decade ago. Although specific details regarding the domestic violence charges remain undisclosed, court documents confirm the allegations stem from an incident earlier this year.
As the legal process continues, Judge Dugan's case has ignited debate over the role of local judicial officials in immigration enforcement and the limits of judicial discretion in the face of federal authority.
Ongoing Legal Proceedings
Judge Dugan’s next court appearance has not yet been scheduled. The outcome of this high-profile case could set a precedent regarding how far local officials can go in challenging or resisting federal immigration actions within courthouse settings.