Wisconsin Judge Indicted After Allegedly Helping Defendant Evade Federal Custody

Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Hannah Dugan is facing federal charges after prosecutors say she helped an undocumented defendant slip out of her courtroom through a restricted exit to avoid arrest by immigration authorities.

The incident occurred April 18, when 33-year-old Eduardo Flores-Ruiz appeared before Dugan on domestic-related charges. After the hearing, federal agents were waiting to detain him over his undocumented status.

Surveillance footage released by the Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office shows Judge Dugan speaking with agents outside her courtroom. Prosecutors allege she redirected them toward the chief judge’s office, creating an opportunity for Flores-Ruiz to leave through a jury-only exit. Video later shows him, alongside his attorney, using the restricted door to avoid the agents stationed in the public hallway. He was ultimately caught after fleeing the courthouse.

One week later, Judge Dugan was arrested and charged with obstructing justice and concealing an individual to prevent arrest. A federal grand jury indicted her on May 13, and she pleaded not guilty two days later. Her defense team has filed a motion to dismiss the case, citing judicial immunity for actions taken in her official capacity.

A pretrial hearing is set for July 9, with jury selection scheduled to begin July 21. Meanwhile, the Wisconsin Supreme Court has issued an administrative order suspending her judicial duties until further notice.

Flores-Ruiz, who was deported in 2013, also faces federal charges of unlawful reentry. He has pleaded not guilty and is due back in court June 24.

The case has stirred debate over courtroom protocol, the limits of judicial authority, and how far discretion extends when federal enforcement is involved.