Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Hannah Dugan Arrested by FBI for Helping an Accused Immigrant Evade Authorities

Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Hannah Dugan Arrested by FBI for Helping an Accused Immigrant Evade Authorities

According to an AP report, the FBI has arrested Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Hannah Dugan. She is accused of helping an individual escape from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents inside the courthouse. This incident has further intensified the ongoing clash between the Trump administration and the judiciary—particularly in the context of President Trump's anti-immigration crackdown.

FBI Director Kash Patel announced the arrest on social media. He wrote that Dugan “intentionally misdirected federal agents” and obstructed their arrest operation.

Patel further stated, “Fortunately, our agents pursued the individual on foot and apprehended him, but the judge’s obstruction created increased danger to the public.”

Arrest and Court Appearance

U.S. Marshals Service spokesperson Brady McCarron said that Dugan was arrested on the courthouse premises on the morning of April 25. She appeared in federal court in Milwaukee later that day and was subsequently released on bail. Her next court date has been scheduled for May 15.

In court, Dugan’s attorney Craig Mastantuono said, “Judge Dugan wholeheartedly regrets and protests her arrest. It was not made in the interest of public safety.” He declined to comment further to the Associated Press after the hearing.

Details of the Allegations

Dugan faces two primary charges:

• Concealing an individual to prevent their arrest

• Obstructing or impeding a legal proceeding

According to an FBI affidavit, on April 18, Dugan escorted Eduardo Flores-Ruiz and his lawyer out of the courtroom through the jury door in an effort to prevent ICE officials from arresting him.

The affidavit states that Dugan became angry after learning from her clerk—who had been informed by another attorney—that ICE officers were present in the courthouse hallway. She called the situation “absurd” and retreated to her chambers. Later, accompanied by another judge, she approached members of the arrest team and spoke in what witnesses described as a “confrontational, angry manner.”

She inquired whether they had a judicial warrant. When informed that it was an administrative warrant, Dugan insisted they speak with the chief judge and led them away from the courtroom.

Investigators say that afterward, Dugan returned to the courtroom and was heard saying, “Wait, come with me,” before leading Flores-Ruiz and his lawyer through a non-public door. According to the affidavit, this jury door is typically only used by court staff, jurors, and in-custody defendants escorted by deputies. It is not used by defense attorneys or defendants not in custody.

Political Reaction and Background

Dugan’s arrest is part of the broader tension between the Trump administration and the judiciary. Trump administration officials have long criticized what they call “activist judges,” whom they accuse of undermining presidential authority.

Wisconsin Democratic Senator Tammy Baldwin stated, “The arrest of a sitting judge is a gravely serious and drastic move that threatens to breach the separation of powers between the executive and judicial branches.”

She added, “Make no mistake, we do not have kings in this country. We are a democracy governed by laws that everyone must follow. By relentlessly attacking the judicial system and arresting a judge, this president is putting our core democratic values at risk.”

This incident is reminiscent of an earlier case in Massachusetts, where a judge was accused of helping an immigration suspect exit through a back door to evade arrest. That prosecution, which occurred during Trump’s first term, was later dropped by the Biden administration after the judge agreed to refer herself to a judicial misconduct board.

Judge Dugan’s Professional Background

Dugan was elected in 2016 to Branch 31 of the county court. She has served in the court’s probate and civil divisions.

Prior to holding public office, she worked at Legal Action of Wisconsin and the Legal Aid Society, providing legal aid to low-income individuals. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1981 and her Juris Doctor in 1987.

This case has reignited national debate on law, policy, and the independence of the judiciary in the United States.