Judge Arrested in Milwaukee for Allegedly Aiding Immigration Suspect’s Escape: Legal, Political Firestorm Ensues

 Milwaukee, April 25, 2025 — In a dramatic escalation of tensions between federal and local authorities, the FBI on Friday arrested Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan on charges of obstruction, alleging she helped an undocumented immigrant evade arrest by federal immigration agents inside her own courtroom.

Dugan, who was taken into custody at 8:30 a.m. at the courthouse where she presides, faces federal charges of obstructing a proceeding and concealing an individual to prevent arrest. The suspect, Eduardo Flores Ruiz, was wanted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and was reportedly present at the courthouse for an unrelated legal matter when the incident occurred.

FBI Director Kash Patel, appointed by President Donald Trump, announced the arrest on social media, stating:
“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.”
Patel confirmed that Flores Ruiz was later “chased down” and is now in federal custody, adding that “the judge’s obstruction created increased danger to the public.”

Judge Dugan made a brief appearance in federal court on Friday morning and was released pending a May 15 hearing.

Her attorney, Craig Mastantuono, issued a strong defense:
“Judge Dugan wholeheartedly regrets and protests her arrest. It was not made in the interest of public safety.”
He added in a statement:
“Hannah C. Dugan has committed herself to the rule of law and the principles of due process for her entire career as a lawyer and a judge. Judge Dugan will defend herself vigorously, and looks forward to being exonerated.”

Outside the courthouse, supporters gathered chanting, “Free the judge now,” reflecting growing public division over the administration’s immigration crackdown.

The Milwaukee City Council expressed deep concern in a formal statement:
“This morning’s news that Judge Hannah Dugan was arrested by federal authorities is shocking and upsetting. Judge Dugan should be afforded the same respect and due process that she has diligently provided others throughout her career.”
The statement criticized the “continued aggression” of federal agencies like ICE and described the incident as emblematic of a broader attack on immigrant communities.

The arrest, believed to be the first of its kind under President Trump’s current administration, has sparked widespread condemnation from Democratic lawmakers and civil liberties advocates.

Senator Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin called the arrest a “gravely serious and drastic move” that “threatens to breach the separation of power between the executive and judicial branches.”
“Make no mistake,” Baldwin added, “we do not have kings in this country and we are a democracy governed by laws that everyone must abide by.”

Progressive senators joined the chorus of criticism. Senator Bernie Sanders declared:
“Let’s be clear. Trump’s arrest of Judge Dugan in Milwaukee has nothing to do with immigration. It has everything to do with [Trump] moving this country towards authoritarianism.”

Senator Elizabeth Warren echoed this concern, stating online:
“This administration is threatening our country’s judicial system. This rings serious alarm bells.”

Later in the day, the FBI posted an image of Judge Dugan in handcuffs on X with the caption: “No one is above the law.”

Court documents allege that Judge Dugan became “visibly angry” when she learned immigration agents planned to detain Flores Ruiz during court proceedings. Prosecutors say she ordered the agents to speak with the chief judge and then escorted the defendant and his attorney into a restricted area of the courthouse. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports she directed them through a private hallway and into a public exit — though did not hide them, as some initial reports claimed.

According to an earlier Justice Department memo circulated by Principal Associate Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove, prosecutors were encouraged to pursue charges against state and local officials who interfere with immigration enforcement. Bove wrote:
“Federal law prohibits state and local actors from resisting, obstructing, and otherwise failing to comply with lawful immigration-related commands or requests.”

The episode is reminiscent of a high-profile case during Trump’s first term, when a Massachusetts judge faced federal charges for allegedly allowing an undocumented immigrant to exit a courthouse through a rear door. That case was later dropped under the Biden administration.

Judge Dugan, elected in 2016, previously led Catholic Charities in Milwaukee and worked for the Legal Aid Society. Her long career has focused on providing legal access for underserved populations — a legacy her supporters say is now under political assault.

Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers decried the arrest as part of a broader campaign to intimidate the judiciary.
“I have deep respect for the rule of law, our nation’s judiciary, and the importance of judges making decisions impartially without fear or favor,” he said. “I will continue to put my faith in our justice system as this situation plays out in the court of law.”

As legal proceedings move forward, the case stands to become a lightning rod in the ongoing national debate over immigration, judicial independence, and the expanding reach of federal law enforcement under the Trump administration.