Milwaukee County Courthouse
MILWAUKEE – The FBI arrested Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Hannah Dugan on charges of obstruction after evidence of Judge Dugan obstructing an immigration arrest operation last week. This, according to an X post by FBI Director Kash Patel on Friday morning, April 25. That post has since been deleted.
“We believe Judge Dugan intentionally misdirected federal agents away from the subject to be arrested in her courthouse, Eduardo Flores Ruiz, allowing the subject — an illegal alien — to evade arrest. Thankfully our agents chased down the perp on foot and he’s been in custody since, but the Judge’s obstruction created increased danger to the public,” said FBI director Kash Patel in the X post.
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Judge Dugan in federal court
What we know:
Judge Dugan appeared in federal court on Friday morning, April 25 and is charged with concealing an individual to prevent arrest as well as obstruction. She has since been released on her own recognizance.
The next court date for the judge is set for May 15.
The backstory:
On April 18, federal agents from ICE, FBI, CBP and DEA attempted to arrest an undocumented male following a scheduled court appearance, federal law enforcement sources tell FOX News.
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That’s when federal law enforcement sources say Judge Dugan demanded that the officers proceed to the chief judge’s office. At that point, they say the judge left and that the undocumented individual’s hearing concluded and that he had quickly left the building, according to FOX News.
Reaction
Congresswoman Gwen Moore (D-Milwaukee)
“I am aware of reports that Milwaukee Circuit Court Judge Hannah Dugan was arrested by the FBI this morning.
“This Administration’s willingness to weaponize federal law enforcement is shocking and this arrest has all the hallmarks of overreach.
“Federal law enforcement coming into a community and arresting a judge is a serious matter and would require a high legal bar. I will be following this case closely and facts will come out, however, I am very alarmed at the increasingly lawless actions of the Trump Administration, and in particular ICE, who have been defying courts and acting with disregard for the Constitution.”
Milwaukee Alderman Peter Burgelis
“As a former constituent of mine, I have had the honor of witnessing Judge Hannah Dugan serve our community with integrity, intellect, and an unwavering dedication to constitutional values. She is a model of what public service should look like: fair, principled, and rooted in justice.
“The recent news regarding Judge Dugan’s arrest is both shocking and serious. Nevertheless, I urge our community to take a breath and remember what she stands for, and what she has always stood for. Judge Dugan has earned a reputation for defending due process and upholding the law with a fierce commitment to the rights of every individual who entered her courtroom. That legacy deserves respect.
“No one is above the law, but no one is beneath it either. In this country, and in this city, we believe in the presumption of innocence. We believe in facts. We believe in due process. Judge Dugan deserves the same fair and impartial treatment that she has long ensured for others.
“As this process unfolds, I remain confident in Judge Dugan’s character. She has always stood on the right side of history, and I believe she will continue to do so. I urge my colleagues, neighbors, and all who care about justice to withhold judgment until all facts are known and to let the legal process run its course with the fairness that Judge Dugan herself has exemplified throughout her distinguished career.
“Let’s be the kind of community that honors its values not only when it’s easy, but especially when it’s difficult.”
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
The Source: The information in this post was provided by FBI Director Kash Patel.
