In a rare move, the Wisconsin Supreme Court has suspended Milwaukee County Judge Hannah Dugan following her arrest on federal charges related to interference with immigration authorities. The court acted unilaterally, citing the need to preserve public confidence in the judiciary.
Dugan faces two federal charges: one felony count of obstructing or impeding a federal proceeding, and one misdemeanor count of concealing an individual to prevent discovery and arrest. According to federal prosecutors, the incident occurred on April 18 when agents from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) attempted to detain Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, an undocumented immigrant who had previously been deported and was due to appear in Dugan’s courtroom on a domestic violence case.
An affidavit alleges that Judge Dugan and another judge confronted ICE agents in the courthouse hallway, questioned whether they had a judicial warrant, and directed them to speak with the chief judge. Dugan is then said to have led Flores-Ruiz and his attorney out of the courtroom via a jury door. ICE agents eventually apprehended him after pursuing him on foot.
While the order relieving Dugan of her judicial duties did not mention suspension of her salary, it mirrors the court’s 2021 action against Judge Brett Blomme, who was suspended on the same day he was charged with possession of child pornography.
Dugan, who was arrested last Friday, now faces up to six years in federal prison if convicted. A spokesperson from the Department of Homeland Security called her alleged actions “shocking and shameful,” accusing her of intentionally obstructing federal agents during a lawful arrest.
The Supreme Court’s order remains in effect until further notice as legal proceedings against Dugan continue.
