A federal judge has chosen not to overturn the conviction of Hannah Dugan, a former Milwaukee County Circuit Judge, for obstruction of justice. Dugan was convicted for aiding a man in evading immigration officers who sought to detain him in a Wisconsin courtroom. The case was significant as it addressed reactions to President Donald Trump’s immigration policies.
U.S. District Judge Lynn Adelman postponed Dugan’s sentencing to explore arguments about whether to dismiss her conviction, but ultimately decided to uphold it. A sentencing date is not set yet. Dugan’s defense claims the decision is incorrect.
Arguments and Comparisons to Virginia Case
Dugan’s attorney claimed her actions in assisting Eduardo Flores-Ruiz were wrongly deemed criminal, referring to a federal appeals decision in a Virginia case that was previously used in Dugan’s prosecution. The appeal found an immigrant could not be implicated under a similar statute because the actions by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) did not involve a “pending proceeding.” Dugan’s defense argued that a warrant alone does not constitute a proceeding, but prosecutors maintained procedural distinctions between the two cases.
Judge Adelman determined Flores-Ruiz’s arrest attempt was a “pending proceeding” due to its deliberate nature. He explained differences in ICE’s authority, contrasting it with standard law enforcement operations.
Potential Sentencing and Political Ramifications
Although Dugan could face up to five years in prison, her sentence is likely to be probation due to her lack of criminal history and the nonviolent nature of the crime. Dugan resigned from her position two weeks post-conviction amid threats of her impeachment from Republican lawmakers. Her case was the first in Wisconsin where a state judge went on trial for hindering immigration enforcement.
The Trump administration initiated the case, labeling Dugan as an activist judge. Her legal defense argued she was unfairly targeted and sought to prove her judicial immunity, without success.
Details of the Incident
On April 18, 2025, ICE officers targeted the Milwaukee County courthouse, notified of Flores-Ruiz’s illegal reentry and scheduled hearing before Dugan. Dugan confronted the agents, instructing them to address their warrant with the chief judge for necessary permissions. Flores-Ruiz, aided by Dugan, left through a side exit but was later apprehended after a chase. Subsequently, Dugan was arrested and charged.