Grand jury indicts Wisconsin judge accused of helping migrant evade federal arrest

Published: Wednesday, May 14, 2025 at 5:04 am

Wisconsin Judge Indicted for Allegedly Aiding Migrant to Evade Arrest

A federal grand jury in Wisconsin has indicted Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan on charges of helping an undocumented migrant evade federal arrest. The indictment, announced Tuesday, accuses Dugan of knowingly concealing a person with an arrest warrant and attempting to obstruct law enforcement.

The charges stem from an incident on April 18th, when federal agents sought to arrest Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, an undocumented migrant, during a domestic abuse hearing presided over by Judge Dugan. According to the affidavit, Dugan allegedly confronted the agents and then escorted Flores-Ruiz and his counsel out of the courtroom, allowing him to escape. Flores-Ruiz was later apprehended after a foot chase.

Dugan's arrest on April 25th sparked controversy, with many legal professionals accusing the Trump administration of attempting to intimidate the judiciary. Over 140 retired judges sent a letter condemning the arrest, viewing it as an attack on judges who don't rule in the administration's favor. The Wisconsin Supreme Court has temporarily removed Dugan from her duties.

The case unfolds against the backdrop of the Trump administration's stricter immigration policies, including the rescinding of a Biden-era policy that limited immigration enforcement in and around courthouses. The current administration argues that this policy "emboldened criminal illegal aliens," while the previous administration believed such arrests hindered justice.

BNN's Perspective: This case highlights the complex intersection of immigration policy, judicial independence, and political tensions. While the allegations against Judge Dugan are serious and warrant investigation, the timing and context of the arrest, given the administration's stance on immigration, raise legitimate concerns about potential political motivations. It's crucial to ensure the judiciary remains free from undue influence, regardless of the political climate.

Keywords: Wisconsin Judge, Hannah Dugan, Indictment, Federal Arrest, Immigration, Trump Administration, Judiciary, Milwaukee County, Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, Courtroom, Law Enforcement, Immigration Enforcement, Political Controversy, Judicial Independence, Undocumented Migrant

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