Trial of Judge Hannah Dugan: Allegations of Obstruction of ICE

The trial of Milwaukee County Judge Hannah Dugan commenced on December 11, 2025, following her indictment for allegedly obstructing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. Dugan faces one felony count of obstructing a proceeding and one misdemeanor count of concealing an individual to prevent arrest. She has pleaded not guilty to these charges. The case centers on an incident that occurred on April 18, 2025, when ICE agents attempted to arrest Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, a Mexican national, who was scheduled to appear in Dugan's courtroom on misdemeanor domestic assault charges.

NPRJurors chosen to hear case against Milwaukee County Judge Hannah DuganWITI - Fox 6 - Milwaukee

According to the indictment, when ICE agents arrived at the Milwaukee County Courthouse, Dugan allegedly informed them that they required a judicial warrant. She is accused of directing the agents to the chief judge's office and facilitating Flores-Ruiz's exit through a non-public jury door, thereby allowing him to evade arrest. After leaving the courtroom, Flores-Ruiz was ultimately apprehended by ICE agents outside the courthouse following a brief chase. He was deported in November 2025.

NPRJurors chosen to hear case against Milwaukee County Judge Hannah DuganWITI - Fox 6 - Milwaukee

Hannah Dugan, 66, is a Milwaukee County judge who has garnered attention due to the charges against her. The case has drawn commentary from legal experts, including Laurie Levenson, a law professor, who emphasized that the trial will hinge on Dugan's intent during the incident. The Department of Homeland Security has labeled Dugan an "activist judge," reflecting the political implications surrounding the case.

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Dugan's defense team has asserted her innocence, claiming that she was following court policies regarding immigration enforcement, which were reportedly in flux at the time. They argue that Dugan was attempting to manage her courtroom effectively and reduce confrontation. Dugan's attorneys have expressed confidence in her eventual vindication.

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Critics of Dugan's actions argue that her behavior constituted a deliberate obstruction of federal law enforcement. The prosecution contends that her actions were intended to aid Flores-Ruiz in evading arrest. The case has sparked broader discussions about the role of judges in immigration enforcement and the implications of federal agents operating within courthouses.

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There is a notable discrepancy regarding the interpretation of Dugan's actions. While the prosecution views her conduct as obstructive, her defense maintains that she was adhering to evolving court protocols. This divergence highlights the complexities of the legal and political landscape surrounding immigration enforcement in courthouses.

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The trial is expected to last four to five days, with opening statements having commenced on December 15, 2025. The jury, composed of twelve jurors and two alternates, was selected from the Eastern District of Wisconsin. The proceedings will continue to draw public and media attention, particularly regarding the implications for judicial conduct and immigration policy.

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• “As she said after her unnecessary arrest, Judge Dugan asserts her innocence and looks forward to being vindicated in court.” — Dugan's Defense Team

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• “Really all this case is about is what was going on in the judge's head,” — Laurie Levenson, Law Professor

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• “There was this general understanding and respect that ICE could do their arrests, they could go to people's homes, they could take them off the streets, but the courthouses should not be disrupted for lots of reasons, because you don't want people not to come to their court proceedings,” — Laurie Levenson, Law Professor

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• “The Department of Homeland Security called Dugan an "activist judge" on X.” — Source Unspecified

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The trial of Judge Hannah Dugan represents a significant intersection of judicial authority and immigration enforcement, raising questions about the responsibilities of judges in politically charged environments.

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