A Wisconsin judge has found herself in the middle of a controversy after being arrested on the job.
Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan is facing serious accusations of obstructing a federal immigration operation, allegedly aiding an undocumented migrant in evading arrest.
The Incident at the Courthouse
On Friday, Judge Dugan was taken into custody at the Milwaukee County Courthouse after it was revealed that she might have deliberately interfered with the arrest of Eduardo Flores Ruiz, a 30-year-old undocumented migrant.
The FBI had been investigating the matter after claims surfaced that Dugan misdirected federal agents during their operation to apprehend Flores Ruiz.
FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed the arrest, explaining, “We believe Judge Dugan intentionally misdirected federal agents away from the subject to be arrested in her courthouse, Eduardo Flores Ruiz, allowing the subject to evade arrest.”
Patel also noted the serious consequences of the judge’s actions, pointing out that her interference could have endangered the public.
The Events Unfold
The trouble began on April 18, when Flores Ruiz appeared in court for charges of misdemeanor battery.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents had been waiting to arrest him after the hearing.
According to reports from the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Judge Dugan allegedly took Flores Ruiz and his lawyer into a jury deliberation room.
After ICE agents arrived to make the arrest, sources say Dugan guided the pair to a side door in the courtroom, leading them through a private hallway to a public area, thus allowing the migrant to avoid arrest.
Flores Ruiz, originally from Mexico, was facing misdemeanor battery charges related to an incident on March 12.
He allegedly punched another individual 30 times after a dispute over loud music.
The Fallout
The FBI was quick to act, with agents tracking down Flores Ruiz on foot shortly after the incident.
He was eventually apprehended and is now in custody.
Although the public safety risks were minimized in this case, the obstruction allegedly caused by Judge Dugan has raised concerns over potential vulnerabilities in the judicial system.
Now, many are left wondering what will happen next.
Legal experts are watching closely as the situation develops, and questions remain about how the justice system will address this serious breach of conduct.