A federal jury found Milwaukee County Judge Hannah Dugan guilty on Thursday of felony obstruction for helping an illegal immigrant evade federal agents. The conviction stems from an April incident where Dugan allowed Eduardo Flores-Ruiz and his attorney to exit her courtroom through a back door to avoid plainclothes Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents waiting to serve a warrant.
Dugan now faces up to five years in prison for the felony count, though she was acquitted on a separate misdemeanor charge of concealing an individual. Surveillance footage played during the trial appeared to show Dugan, still in her judicial robes, confronting the ICE agents in the courthouse hallway. Under Wisconsin law, the felony conviction makes Dugan ineligible to hold public office.
Interim U.S. Attorney Brad Schimel stated that the case was necessary to hold Dugan accountable for her actions, noting that she is neither "evil" nor a "martyr." He emphasized that the prosecution was about upholding the law rather than making an example of the judge. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche echoed this sentiment, stating that Dugan betrayed her oath and that "nobody is above the law."
Dugan’s defense team expressed disappointment with the verdict but pointed to the split decision as an opportunity to eventually clear her name. They confirmed plans for an appeal and continue to seek public support for her defense fund. Dugan had been suspended with pay since her arrest, and it remains unclear if the Wisconsin State Supreme Court will now move to terminate her $175,000 annual salary.