A federal judge declined to overturn the conviction of a Wisconsin judge who was found guilty of obstructing justice. The case involved Hannah Dugan, who helped a man avoid immigration officers in a courtroom. The decision served as a test of the court’s response to immigration policies under President Donald Trump.
Background
Hannah Dugan, a former Milwaukee County Circuit Court judge, faced criticism and praise following her conviction. Trump supporters labeled her as an activist, while her advocates claimed she was wrongly targeted. U.S. District Judge Lynn Adelman upheld her conviction but delayed sentencing to consider arguments about its validity. Despite this, Adelman decided Dugan’s conviction would remain intact. No new sentencing date has been established.
Dugan’s legal defense team stated, “The court’s decision is wrong.”
The Virginia Case Comparison
Dugan’s legal team argued that her actions in aiding Eduardo Flores-Ruiz did not constitute obstruction. Their defense referenced a federal appeals court decision. The court previously overturned a Virginia immigration case used as precedent in Dugan’s proceedings. In the Virginia case, ICE detained an immigrant who later evaded capture. The court ruled there was no “pending proceeding” involved, affecting the case’s legality.
Prosecutors in Dugan’s case argued that circumstances differed from the Virginia example. They maintained that ICE’s actions against Flores-Ruiz were part of a planned operation. Judge Adelman agreed, considering the attempted arrest a “pending proceeding” because ICE can operate without direct court involvement.
Potential Sentencing
Dugan, aged 67, could face up to five years in prison. However, she is likely to receive probation due to her clean criminal record and the nonviolent nature of her crime. Following her conviction on December 19, she resigned from her judgeship amidst potential impeachment threats.
The Trump administration initiated the case as part of its immigration crackdown. Dugan’s acquittal on a misdemeanor charge of concealing an individual was noted, although her conviction for obstruction remains.
Incident Details
On April 18, 2025, immigration officers sought Flores-Ruiz, present for a hearing on a state battery case, at the Milwaukee County courthouse. Dugan encountered ICE agents, directing them to the chief judge due to an insufficient administrative warrant. Subsequently, she helped Flores-Ruiz exit via a private door. ICE agents pursued Flores-Ruiz and arrested him after a brief chase.
The FBI later arrested Dugan at the courthouse. Flores-Ruiz was deported in November following the incident.
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