Wisconsin Judge Temporarily Suspended After Alleged Obstruction of Federal Authorities
The Wisconsin Supreme Court has issued an administrative order placing Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan on temporary leave from her judicial duties.
The suspension follows serious federal allegations that she interfered with a law enforcement operation involving U.S. immigration authorities.
According to court records and media reports, Judge Dugan was arrested last Friday and charged with obstruction of an official proceeding, as well as aiding a person to avoid detection and arrest.
The charges stem from an incident in which she allegedly helped a previously deported non-citizen evade federal agents inside the courthouse.
The Supreme Court’s administrative ruling states that Judge Dugan is “temporarily prohibited from exercising the powers of a circuit court judge in the State of Wisconsin,” and the order will remain in effect “until further order of the court.”
The Wisconsin Court System confirmed that her courtroom responsibilities will be reassigned to other judges during the suspension.
Details of the Allegations
Federal authorities allege that Judge Dugan assisted Mexican national Eduardo Flores-Ruiz in avoiding apprehension by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Flores-Ruiz had appeared before her on April 18 on separate misdemeanor battery charges.
According to a criminal complaint, following Flores-Ruiz’s court appearance, Judge Dugan allegedly instructed officers to report to the chief judge’s office, while she and the defendant exited through a restricted jury door—bypassing federal agents who were positioned in the public area of the courthouse.
Federal officials say the goal was to prevent ICE, FBI, CBP, and DEA agents from arresting Flores-Ruiz, who had previously been deported and was reportedly involved in a violent altercation that resulted in hospitalizations.
Legal Proceedings and Reactions
Judge Dugan made an initial court appearance in Milwaukee on Friday but did not comment publicly.
Her attorney, Craig Mastantuono, stated that she “regrets and protests her arrest,” asserting that it was not carried out in the interest of public safety.
Judge Dugan has denied the allegations in previous statements, calling claims circulated by media outlets “largely inaccurate.”
The case has drawn sharp criticism and national attention. Former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi, speaking on Fox News, condemned the judge’s alleged actions, particularly in light of the violent nature of the case before her courtroom.
“This wasn’t a procedural slip—it involved protecting a criminal defendant from being held accountable for a violent assault,” Bondi stated.
In response to the unfolding situation, Milwaukee Circuit Judge Monica Isham announced she would temporarily refrain from hearing new cases, expressing concern about the risks involved and criticizing the federal enforcement actions.
“I will not allow anyone to be removed from my courtroom without due process,” Judge Isham said in a public post, suggesting a growing rift between federal immigration enforcement and some members of the judiciary.
What’s Next
Judge Dugan is scheduled to appear in federal court on May 15 to face the charges.
Until then, she remains suspended from her role as circuit court judge, and the matter is under ongoing investigation.
This developing case raises questions about judicial authority, immigration policy, and the limits of courtroom discretion—issues likely to spark debate well beyond Wisconsin.
