A federal grand jury has convicted Wisconsin Judge Hannah Dugan. She is charged with other related crimes, including obstructing justice and concealing an individual from arrest. In April, Judge Dugan allegedly assisted undocumented immigrant Eduardo Flores-Ruiz to evade federal law enforcement. This is the incident which has resulted in the current criminal indictment. The case has attracted national media attention, inspiring a debate about judicial activism vs. immigration policy.
On April 18, Judge Dugan held a hearing in her courtroom. Without warning, federal agents stormed in to arrest Flores-Ruiz, who had been deported from the U.S. in 2013. Court records show that Flores-Ruiz had three misdemeanor domestic abuse convictions in Milwaukee County. At the time, he was released on a signature bond. Witnesses saw Judge Dugan get physically upset when he turned and saw the agents. He even called their presence “absurd.”
Following her tirade, Judge Dugan immediately left the bench and stormed into her chambers. She then escorted Flores-Ruiz and his counsel out of the courtroom through a rear jury door, typically used by deputies, jurors, court staff, and in-custody defendants. Yet this very action is at the heart of the charges she currently faces.
The FBI arrested Judge Dugan inside the courthouse where she presides, triggering massive public outcry and outrage from politicians across the spectrum. This episode has further fueled the debate over judicial accountability and what should be the scope of a judge’s discretion in immigration cases.
If found guilty on all charges, Judge Dugan may serve a maximum of six years behind bars. She is due to enter a plea to the charges on Thursday. Her team of public defenders and staff has put out a very short public statement. They continue to insist on her innocence and are confident that she will be vindicated.
“Let’s be clear. Trump’s arrest of Judge Dugan in Milwaukee has nothing to do with immigration.” – US Senator Bernie Sanders
The consequences of this unusual case go far beyond Judge Dugan’s future. It speaks to deep, unresolved questions about immigration enforcement and the integrity and independence of our judicial system. Protests have since sprung up outside the courthouse, with conflicting demonstrators on both sides supporting Dugan and condemning her actions. Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have expressed their concern, demanding a full investigation into the issue.
This is one case the legal community will be closely watching as it continues to develop. It asks pressing questions about judges’ role and responsibilities when adjudicating immigration matters. Critics have said Judge Dugan’s actions place the integrity of the judicial system at risk. In stark opposition, advocates argue that she acted with compassion in a difficult situation.