A Wisconsin judge has threatened to suspend court proceedings in protest after a fellow judge was arrested for allegedly helping an undocumented immigrant evade federal authorities. The situation has ignited intense debate over judicial independence and immigration enforcement.
Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan was arrested on April 25, 2025, accused of assisting Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, an undocumented immigrant, in avoiding Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents. Dugan allegedly directed Flores-Ruiz and his attorney to exit the courtroom through a side door, allowing him to bypass agents waiting outside. Flores-Ruiz was later apprehended near the courthouse. Dugan now faces charges of obstruction of justice and concealing a person from arrest, offenses that could carry a sentence of up to 10 years if convicted.
In a show of solidarity, Sawyer County Circuit Judge Monica Isham said she may refuse to hold court sessions and offered to help raise bail money for defendants. Isham criticized the practice of conducting immigration arrests within courtrooms and vowed to stand by her principles, regardless of the personal cost.
The arrest has triggered political tensions across the state. Attorney General Pam Bondi warned that any judges obstructing immigration enforcement would be prosecuted, emphasizing that “no one is above the law.” Meanwhile, Democratic leaders, including Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers, condemned the arrest, accusing the federal government of overreaching and undermining judicial autonomy.
Judge Dugan, who has served on the Milwaukee County bench since 2016, is scheduled for arraignment on May 15. The case continues to fuel national debate over the limits of immigration enforcement and the independence of the judiciary.