Nobody is above the law.
A federal jury has found Hannah Dugan, a Milwaukee County Circuit Court judge, guilty of felony obstruction after prosecutors proved she interfered with federal immigration enforcement inside her own courthouse.
The verdict marks a significant development in a rare case involving a sitting judge accused of helping a criminal suspect evade arrest. Dugan now faces up to five years in federal prison following the conviction.
Jury Finds Judge Obstructed Federal Law Enforcement
According to trial testimony, Dugan obstructed federal agents in April when officers with Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrived at the courthouse to serve a valid arrest warrant on Eduardo Flores-Ruiz.
Prosecutors told jurors that after learning ICE agents were present, Dugan assisted Flores-Ruiz and his attorney in leaving the courthouse through a restricted back exit, preventing agents from executing the warrant.
Jurors deliberated for approximately six hours before returning a guilty verdict on the felony obstruction charge. Dugan was acquitted on a related misdemeanor count involving concealment, but the felony conviction carries the most serious legal consequences.
Prosecutors Say Case Was About Accountability
Interim U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin Brad Schimel addressed the verdict by stressing that the case was handled like any other criminal matter.
“This was not about making an example of anyone,” Schimel said. “It was about holding a public official accountable for her actions. We respect the jury’s decision and the legal process.”
Schimel added that the justice system depends on equal enforcement of the law, regardless of position or title.
Justice Department: “Nobody Is Above the Law”
Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche reacted strongly to the verdict, saying Dugan violated the trust placed in her office.
“A federal jury of her peers sent a clear message,” Blanche wrote. “The American people believe in law and order. Nobody is above the law — including those entrusted to enforce it.”
Blanche reaffirmed the Department of Justice’s commitment to enforcing federal immigration law and protecting officers who carry out their duties lawfully.
Judge Barred From Office, Appeal Expected
Under Wisconsin law, Dugan is no longer eligible to hold public office following the felony conviction. Earlier this year, she was suspended with pay—earning approximately $175,000 annually—by the Wisconsin Supreme Court.
Her legal team has indicated an appeal is forthcoming, calling the verdict a setback but not the end of the case. The state Supreme Court has not yet announced whether further disciplinary action will be taken while appeals are pending.
For supporters of stricter immigration enforcement and judicial accountability, the conviction stands as a reminder that even powerful officials can face consequences when they interfere with the rule of law.