Milwaukee Judge Hannah Dugan Scheduled to Enter Plea in Federal Court
Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Hannah Dugan, who is accused of assisting an illegal immigrant in evading ICE, is scheduled to appear in federal court on Thursday.
Milwaukee, Wis. – Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Hannah Dugan is scheduled to enter a plea Thursday in federal court after being indicted on charges of concealing a person from arrest and obstruction of justice. The allegations stem from an incident last month in which Dugan is accused of helping an undocumented Mexican national evade arrest by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents inside her courtroom.
The indictment, issued Tuesday by a federal grand jury, claims Judge Dugan "falsely" told federal officials last April that they required a warrant to enter her courtroom during a hearing for Eduardo Flores-Ruiz. Flores-Ruiz was at the time facing three misdemeanor battery charges while in the United States without legal status.
According to a criminal complaint, Dugan directed ICE officers to the chief judge's office to obtain a warrant. She then allegedly escorted Flores-Ruiz out of the courtroom through a side door to avoid federal agents. A foot chase followed, after which Flores-Ruiz was arrested.
If convicted on both federal counts, Judge Dugan could face up to six years in prison in addition to fines totaling as much as $350,000.
Dugan's legal team released a statement indicating she intends to plead not guilty. "Judge Hannah C. Dugan has committed herself to the rule of law and the principles of due process for her entire career as a lawyer and a judge," her attorneys said. They emphasized her assertion of innocence and confidence that she will be vindicated in court.
On Wednesday, Dugan’s lawyers submitted a motion seeking to dismiss the federal case. The motion argues, “The problems with this prosecution are legion, but most immediately, the government cannot prosecute Judge Dugan because she is entitled to judicial immunity for her official acts. Immunity is not a defense to the prosecution to be determined later by a jury or court; it is an absolute bar to the prosecution at the outset.”
The defense further stated that the immunity and federalism issues must be addressed promptly, insisting there is no basis in law for the prosecution and urging the court to dismiss the indictment.
Details from the criminal complaint, supported by witness statements, allege that Judge Dugan appeared “visibly upset and had a confrontational, angry demeanor” during the events on April 18. She was taken into custody by the FBI one week later at the courthouse and was subsequently released.
The coming weeks are expected to see further legal arguments as the court considers the motion to dismiss and prepares for the next phase of proceedings in this closely watched case.
