Federal Judge Upholds Conviction of Wisconsin Judge Hannah Dugan
A federal judge has decided to uphold the obstruction of justice conviction against former Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan. The case centered on Dugan helping a man avoid detention by immigration officers at a courtroom. This situation tested the court’s response during President Donald Trump’s immigration policies. Dugan resigned after her conviction, which led to mixed reactions from Trump’s supporters and her own allies.
U.S. District Judge Lynn Adelman had initially delayed sentencing to review whether to overturn Dugan’s conviction. However, he confirmed the conviction would remain. No sentencing date is currently set. Dugan’s defense team criticized the decision.
Arguments Surrounding Dugan’s Conviction
Dugan’s legal team argued her actions did not constitute a crime as the cited federal obstruction law required a ‘pending proceeding.’ They referenced a Virginia case where a federal appeals court overturned a similar conviction. In the Virginia case, ICE agents detained an undocumented immigrant, but the court later ruled there wasn’t a ‘pending proceeding.’ Dugan’s lawyers claimed that, similarly, only a warrant for her courtroom’s immigrant existed, not a ‘proceeding.’
Prosecutors countered that the circumstances in the Virginia case differed and supported Dugan’s conviction by other case law. Judge Adelman noted that the targeted operation to arrest Flores-Ruiz satisfied the criteria for a ‘pending proceeding,’ citing ICE’s unique authority to issue warrants and effectuate removals.
Sentencing and Aftermath
Dugan, 67, could face up to five years in prison. However, due to the nonviolent nature of the crime and her lack of prior criminal activity, probation is more likely. She resigned her judgeship amid possible impeachment actions initiated by Republican lawmakers, ending her nine-year term.
This case represents the first instance in Wisconsin where a state judge was tried for obstructing immigration agents. An acquittal occurred on a separate charge of concealing an individual to prevent arrest.
Details of the Incident
In April 2025, ICE agents targeted the Milwaukee County courthouse for Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, who was scheduled for a battery case hearing and had reentered the U.S. illegally. Dugan obstructed by directing agents to the chief judge’s office and later assisting Flores-Ruiz and his lawyer out a private exit. Despite her efforts, ICE agents apprehended Flores-Ruiz after a pursuit, and he was deported by November.
Following the event, FBI agents arrested Dugan at the courthouse.