A Wisconsin judge has resigned from the bench following her federal conviction for obstructing ICE agents attempting to arrest an illegal immigrant at her courthouse, marking the first time a state judge has been criminally convicted for interfering with federal immigration enforcement.
Story Highlights
- Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan convicted of felony obstruction for helping illegal immigrant evade ICE arrest
- First federal conviction of a state judge for obstructing immigration enforcement under Trump administration crackdown
- Dugan faces up to five years in prison and permanent disbarment from judiciary
- Case sets precedent for prosecuting state officials who interfere with federal immigration law
Federal Conviction Sends Clear Message on Immigration Enforcement
Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan was convicted December 18, 2025, of felony obstruction of a federal proceeding after deliberately interfering with ICE agents attempting to arrest Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, an illegal immigrant who had unlawfully reentered the United States.
The conviction represents a landmark victory for the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement efforts, demonstrating that no public official is above federal law when it comes to protecting our borders.
Wisconsin judge resigns after conviction in immigration obstruction casehttps://t.co/YniAx8ukC4
— The Hill (@thehill) January 4, 2026
Judge’s Deliberate Obstruction of Federal Agents
On April 18, 2025, ICE agents arrived at Milwaukee County Courthouse to arrest Flores-Ruiz during his state battery case hearing. Dugan confronted the agents, directed them away from the defendant, expedited his case proceedings, and led him through a private “jury door” to help him escape.
Prosecutors proved that Dugan told colleagues she would “take the heat” for her actions, revealing her deliberate intent to obstruct federal law enforcement.
Activist Judge Finally Held Accountable
The conviction exposes the dangerous lengths to which liberal activist judges will go to protect illegal immigrants from lawful deportation. Dugan’s actions directly undermined ICE agents’ ability to enforce immigration law and remove a criminal who had illegally reentered our country.
This case demonstrates how sanctuary policies and judicial activism have emboldened state officials to brazenly obstruct federal immigration enforcement, putting public safety at risk.
Precedent Set for Future Immigration Enforcement
U.S. Attorney Brad Schimel emphasized that “the law applies equally to everyone,” sending a strong message that state officials cannot hide behind judicial robes when obstructing federal immigration enforcement.
The conviction establishes crucial precedent for prosecuting other state and local officials who interfere with ICE operations. This victory vindicates the Trump administration’s commitment to enforcing immigration law uniformly across all jurisdictions, regardless of local sanctuary policies.
Dugan’s resignation following her conviction ensures she can no longer abuse her judicial position to obstruct immigration enforcement. Her defense team’s planned appeal cannot undo the message this case sends to other activist judges: federal immigration law supersedes local preferences, and obstruction will result in serious criminal consequences.
Sources:
Wisconsin Judge Obstruction Conviction Immigration – RI Lawyers Weekly
Wisconsin Judge Convicted of Felony Obstruction for Interference in ICE Arrest – JURIST
Wisconsin Judge Immigration Obstruction Trial – MI Lawyers Weekly
Jury Found Wisconsin Judge Guilty Obstruction Helping Immigrant – ABC News
