Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan was arrested on April 25, 2025, by federal agents on charges of obstructing an immigration arrest operation. The arrest stems from an incident on April 18, when Dugan allegedly assisted Eduardo Flores Ruiz, a Mexican national facing misdemeanor battery charges, in evading detention by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents.
According to the criminal complaint, Dugan directed Flores Ruiz and his attorney to exit the courthouse through a private hallway, bypassing ICE agents waiting to detain him. Flores Ruiz was later apprehended after a foot pursuit.
Attorney General Pam Bondi commented on the arrest, stating, “No one’s above the laws in this country. If you’re obstructing justice, it will not be tolerated.” She emphasized that the administration is committed to prosecuting individuals who interfere with immigration enforcement, regardless of their position.
Dugan appeared in federal court and was released on her own recognizance. Her attorney, Craig Mastantuono, argued that the arrest was unjustified and not in the interest of public safety. The case has sparked debate over the role of judges in immigration enforcement and the balance between judicial discretion and federal authority.