A sitting judge in Wisconsin is facing serious federal charges after allegedly aiding an illegal immigrant with a violent criminal record in dodging U.S. immigration authorities.
Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan has been indicted by a federal grand jury for obstructing justice and helping an illegal alien escape arrest by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). According to the indictment, she allegedly shielded Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, an illegal migrant, to prevent his arrest despite knowing that he had a warrant out for him.
If convicted, Judge Dugan could face up to six years in prison and a fine of $350,000.
The charges stem from an incident on April 18, 2025, in Milwaukee. According to the two-page federal indictment, Dugan knowingly concealed Flores-Ruiz, interfering with federal efforts to detain and deport him.
From Count One of the indictment:
“Hannah C. Dugan knowingly concealed E.F.R., a person for whose arrest a warrant and process had been issued under the provisions of a law of the United States… after notice and knowledge of the fact that a warrant and process had been issued.”
Count Two goes even further, accusing the judge of trying to derail immigration proceedings altogether:
“Dugan did corruptly endeavor to influence, obstruct, and impede the due and proper administration of the law… by committing affirmative acts to assist E.F.R. to evade arrest.”
Who Is Eduardo Flores-Ruiz?
Flores-Ruiz isn’t just any illegal border crosser. According to the Department of Homeland Security, he has a long criminal history that includes:
- Strangulation and suffocation
- Battery
- Domestic abuse
These are not minor infractions. Yet according to investigators, Judge Dugan went out of her way to help this individual avoid ICE arrest and removal.
Tricia McLaughlin, Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security, didn’t hold back in her assessment of the case. She confirmed that Flores-Ruiz “has a laundry list of violent criminal charges,” reinforcing the public safety concerns surrounding this incident.
Dugan’s actions caught the attention of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, which took the unusual step of arresting a sitting judge. The indictment was announced shortly after her arrest.
FBI Director Kash Patel released a statement confirming Dugan was “arrested on charges of obstruction.” While Patel didn’t go into detail, the message was clear: No one is above the law.
Dugan’s legal team has stated that she will enter a plea at her hearing on May 15. As of now, the court documents do not indicate whether she will plead guilty or fight the charges.
This case raises serious concerns about judicial integrity, immigration enforcement, and public safety. For many Americans, especially those concerned with law and order, it’s deeply troubling to see a member of the judiciary allegedly stepping in to protect a criminal from lawful arrest.
It’s not the first time we’ve seen local or state officials clash with federal immigration authorities, but this incident is particularly alarming because it involves a judge—someone entrusted with upholding the law, not obstructing it.
The indictment will likely become a flashpoint in ongoing debates about sanctuary policies, immigration enforcement, and the role of activist judges in shaping or defying federal law.
With a violent illegal alien on the run and a sitting judge under indictment for allegedly helping him escape, the stakes are high. This case could set a major precedent for how far federal authorities will go to hold officials accountable when they interfere with immigration law.
Judge Dugan’s hearing is set for May 15, and all eyes will be on Milwaukee as this case unfolds.
