MILWAUKEE, Wisconsin – A federal grand jury has indicted Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Hannah Dugan on charges of obstruction and concealing a person from arrest.
The charges are related to an incident in April 2025. Prosecutors say Judge Dugan helped Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, an undocumented immigrant, avoid arrest by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers.
This happened during a court hearing where Dugan allegedly directed Flores-Ruiz and his attorney to leave through a back door. Flores-Ruiz was later arrested outside the courthouse.
Judge Dugan has filed a motion to dismiss the charges. Her lawyers argue that she was acting within her official role as a judge and is protected by judicial immunity.
They refer to a 2023 U.S. Supreme Court ruling that confirmed judges cannot be prosecuted for actions taken as part of their official duties.
If found guilty, she could face up to six years in prison. Her arraignment is scheduled for Thursday.