Wisconsin Supreme Court suspends Judge Hannah Dugan after FBI arrest on charges of obstructing justice

In a stunning development, the Wisconsin Supreme Court has temporarily suspended Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Hannah Dugan after her arrest last Friday on federal charges. The arrest comes after allegations that Dugan assisted an undocumented immigrant in evading arrest by federal agents, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

The two charges Dugan faces are serious: one felony count of “obstructing and impeding a proceeding before a department or agency of the United States,” and one misdemeanour count of “concealing an individual to prevent his discovery and arrest.” These charges stem from an incident on April 18, when an immigrant named Eduardo Flores-Ruiz was scheduled to appear before Dugan in court. Flores-Ruiz had been charged with three misdemeanour counts of battery and domestic abuse.

The incident unfolded when federal agents attempted to arrest Flores-Ruiz at the courthouse, but Dugan allegedly intervened. According to the federal complaint, Dugan confronted one of the ICE agents and expressed visible anger upon learning that they were there to take Flores-Ruiz into custody. Multiple witnesses reported that Dugan later returned to her courtroom, where she reportedly redirected federal officers to the office of the court’s chief judge. This action gave Flores-Ruiz an opportunity to escape the building.

The situation escalated further when a DEA agent saw Flores-Ruiz and his attorney trying to make their way through the courthouse’s public hallway. After spotting the agents, Flores-Ruiz attempted to flee, running out of the building before being chased down by FBI and DEA agents. He was ultimately apprehended after a brief pursuit.

The FBI, which had been investigating the incident, arrested Dugan on charges related to obstructing federal proceedings and helping Flores-Ruiz evade arrest. U.S. Attorney General Pamela Bondi confirmed the arrest, stating that the FBI’s investigation found Dugan’s actions went beyond mere obstruction—they were a deliberate effort to impede federal law enforcement officers.

As a result of the arrest, the Wisconsin Supreme Court issued a two-page order temporarily removing Dugan from her duties. The court’s order emphasised that the decision was necessary to maintain public trust in the judiciary. Dugan has been prohibited from exercising her powers as a circuit court judge until further notice. In the meantime, a reserve judge will handle Dugan’s caseload starting Monday.

Dugan, who was released on her own recognisance, appeared before the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin last Friday. She has yet to enter a plea to the charges and will likely face a lengthy legal battle. Her attorney, former United States Attorney Steven Biskupic, defended her actions, claiming that Dugan has long adhered to the rule of law and the principles of due process. Biskupic stated that Dugan looks forward to proving her innocence in court.

If convicted, Dugan could face up to six years in prison. Her case comes at a time of heightened tensions between local officials and federal authorities, particularly in relation to immigration enforcement. The incident has sparked widespread criticism, with some questioning the actions of a judge who is supposed to uphold the law.

The controversy surrounding Dugan also highlights a broader issue in American politics, as disputes over immigration enforcement and local government cooperation with federal authorities continue to dominate headlines. The public and legal communities are now left to grapple with the implications of Dugan’s alleged actions, which have thrown a shadow over her career and the justice system she served.

As the investigation continues, many are waiting to see whether Dugan will be exonerated or if these charges will lead to her permanent removal from the bench.