Wisconsin Supreme Court Suspends Judge Hannah Dugan Amid Allegations of Helping Illegal Immigrant Evade ICE Agents

In a dramatic turn of events, the Wisconsin Supreme Court has decided to suspend Judge Hannah Dugan from her duties, pending further legal proceedings.

This decision came in light of serious allegations that Dugan, a judge in Milwaukee County, had assisted an illegal immigrant in evading arrest by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

The suspension was officially announced on Tuesday, with the court noting that this action was taken in the public interest and to maintain confidence in the state’s judicial system.

The Incident That Led to the Suspension

The controversy erupted after Dugan was accused of helping Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, an undocumented immigrant from Mexico, avoid ICE agents.

On April 18, Flores-Ruiz, who was facing battery charges for allegedly assaulting someone over a noise complaint, was in Dugan’s courtroom.

According to court documents, Dugan helped Flores-Ruiz and his lawyer leave the courtroom through the jury door, a nonpublic area usually reserved for court staff and jurors.

This unusual action was taken after Dugan reportedly became aware that ICE agents were present in the courthouse and were looking to arrest Flores-Ruiz.

The FBI’s Involvement and Dugan’s Arrest

Dugan’s actions prompted an investigation by the FBI, which led to her arrest on Friday morning.

Federal authorities charged her with concealing an individual to prevent their discovery and obstructing an official proceeding.

The FBI affidavit details how Dugan, visibly upset by the presence of ICE agents, left the bench and retreated to her chambers.

After a confrontation with the arrest team, she led them to the chief judge’s office before returning to the courtroom to usher Flores-Ruiz and his lawyer through the jury door.

The affidavit further reveals that Dugan’s actions were a deliberate attempt to obstruct Flores-Ruiz’s arrest.

It states that this door was typically not used by defense attorneys or defendants who were not in custody, making Dugan’s behavior even more suspicious.

She was later taken into custody on courthouse grounds by federal authorities but was briefly released after a hearing in federal court.

Political Reactions and Legal Defense

The arrest of a sitting judge has sparked intense political debate.

Wisconsin Democratic Senator Tammy Baldwin expressed her outrage, describing the arrest as a “gravely serious” and “drastic move” that threatens the separation of powers between the judicial and executive branches.

Baldwin further criticized the Trump administration, accusing it of undermining the judiciary to advance political agendas.

Dugan’s legal team, on the other hand, has vigorously defended her actions.

In a statement, they expressed disappointment in the court’s unilateral decision to suspend her, maintaining her innocence and vowing to clear her name in court.

Dugan’s attorneys also claimed that her arrest was not made in the interest of public safety but rather as part of a politically motivated attack on the judiciary.

The Fallout and Impact on Wisconsin’s Judicial System

As Dugan faces federal charges, the Wisconsin Supreme Court has appointed a reserve judge to temporarily fill her position.

The court’s decision to suspend her is seen as an attempt to preserve the public’s trust in the judicial system amid ongoing legal proceedings.

Demonstrations erupted outside the FBI’s Milwaukee field office, with protestors voicing their discontent over the judge’s arrest.

Many supporters of Dugan argue that her actions were motivated by a desire to protect an individual’s rights rather than any criminal intent.

These protests reflect the broader political divisions in the state and the country, with some viewing the arrest as an overreach by federal authorities.

What’s Next for Judge Dugan?

Judge Dugan’s future now hinges on the ongoing legal process.

She is scheduled for an arraignment on May 15, where she will face the charges against her.

Meanwhile, the case continues to stir debate, with critics and supporters alike making their voices heard across Wisconsin.

For now, the state’s judicial system remains under scrutiny, and the outcome of Dugan’s case could have far-reaching implications for the future of immigration-related legal actions in the United States.