Who is Milwaukee Judge Hannah Dugan, arrested for allegedly helping man evade ICE?

Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan, a prominent and long-serving figure in Wisconsin's legal and civic circles, was arrested Friday on allegations that she helped a man evade federal immigration authorities. The FBI accused Dugan of allowing Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, a Mexican national facing domestic battery charges, to exit her courtroom through a non-public jury door on April 18, allegedly to avoid arrest by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents waiting outside.

FBI Director Kash Patel called Dugan an “increased danger to the public” in a social media post announcing the arrest. She was taken into custody en route to her courthouse office and later released following a brief appearance in federal court. Dugan has not issued a statement, with the chief judge noting judicial conduct rules prevent her from commenting on pending cases. Her court docket will be handled by another judge for now.

According to an FBI affidavit, Flores-Ruiz, previously deported through Arizona over a decade ago, had returned without authorisation and was scheduled to appear in Dugan’s courtroom on three counts of misdemeanor domestic battery. After learning that ICE agents were waiting outside, the judge became “visibly angry,” allegedly diverted the agents, and directed Flores-Ruiz and his attorney through an exit typically off-limits to defendants.

Flores-Ruiz was later apprehended by agents outside the courthouse after a brief foot pursuit.

Dugan, 65, is a well-known civic figure, respected for her courtroom discipline and visible presence at interfaith and public events. Elected in 2016 after defeating a Republican appointee, she ran unopposed in 2022 and is serving a term that ends in 2028. She previously led Catholic Charities of Southeastern Wisconsin and served as president of the Milwaukee Bar Association. Her legal work has focused on civil rights, domestic abuse, elder law, and disability issues.

Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson criticised the arrest as being “more about hype than community safety,” while the ACLU of Wisconsin warned the move could deter people from reporting crimes or emergencies. Meanwhile, state Republican leaders called the charges “deeply troubling” and said they undermine public trust in the judiciary.

Dugan is due back in court on May 15, this time as a defendant.