Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan was arrested and federally charged for allegedly obstructing justice by helping Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, an undocumented immigrant, avoid arrest during a court hearing. Dugan, 65, is accused of attempting to conceal Flores-Ruiz, who faced misdemeanor battery charges, from federal agents. Following her arrest, Dugan’s attorney stated she regrets the situation and contends that her actions were not in the interest of public safety.
Dugan graduated from the University of Wisconsin Law School in 1987 and has spent much of her career in legal aid, eventually becoming the executive director of Catholic Charities. She was elected to the Circuit Court in 2016 and reelected in 2022, overseeing mostly misdemeanor cases in Branch 31.
Reactions to her arrest have varied significantly. Milwaukee Alderman Peter Burgelis lauded Dugan as a “model of public service,” emphasizing her integrity and dedication to justice. Conversely, Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson criticized the arrest as “ham-handed” and more showy than effective in promoting community safety. Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers also condemned the arrest, attributing it to the divisive rhetoric of the Trump administration towards the judiciary.
Supporters of Dugan, including Democratic officials, argue she deserves fair treatment, paralleling the fairness she has extended to others in her professional capacity. On the other hand, Republican figures, including Rep. Tom Tiffany, have taken a hard stance against her, asserting that helping illegal immigrants evade arrest warrants legal consequences. FBI officials stated there is evidence suggesting Dugan intentionally misled agents, which informs the serious nature of the charges against her.
