Federal Judge Accused of Helping Illegal Immigrant Escape Faces Explosive DOJ Showdown

A Milwaukee judge accused of helping an illegal immigrant avoid federal arrest is fighting to have her charges dismissed, but prosecutors say her actions went far beyond judicial duties—and may have broken the law.

Key Facts:

  • Milwaukee County Judge Hannah Dugan was indicted in May for allegedly helping a domestic battery suspect evade ICE agents in the courthouse.
  • She faces charges of obstruction of proceedings before a U.S. agency and unlawful concealment of an individual subject to arrest.
  • Prosecutors argue that judges are not immune from criminal prosecution and accuse Dugan of taking “unofficial” and unlawful actions.
  • Dugan’s defense claims judicial immunity and a violation of her 10th Amendment rights; her trial is scheduled for July 21.
  • Surveillance video shows Dugan confronting ICE agents and allegedly escorting the suspect through a private exit.

The Rest of The Story:

Federal prosecutors allege that on April 18, Judge Hannah Dugan helped Mexican national Eduardo Flores-Ruiz evade arrest by personally escorting him out of the courthouse while ICE agents were present with a valid warrant.

Surveillance footage supports claims that Dugan left her courtroom to confront agents and then took steps to shield the suspect from apprehension.

Prosecutors say Dugan disrupted multiple courtrooms, misled agents about the chief judge’s availability, and guided Flores-Ruiz and his attorney through a private stairwell exit.

In filings, they argue that Dugan’s behavior was “unofficial” and outside her judicial capacity, nullifying any claim to immunity.

“In the end, Dugan asks for this Court to develop a novel doctrine of judicial immunity from criminal prosecution… all without reasonable basis,” prosecutors stated.

Dugan has pleaded not guilty, and her legal team plans to respond to the government’s filing in the coming days.

Commentary:

The Justice Department’s case appears strong on its face.

Judges are not—and should never be—above the law, and the Constitution does not shield them from prosecution when they step outside their judicial role to interfere with federal law enforcement.

Dugan’s legal team claims she was merely performing her duties, but the surveillance footage and DOJ filings paint a different picture.

Directing ICE agents away, pausing unrelated court business, and sneaking the suspect out a back door are not the actions of a judge neutrally presiding over a case—they’re the actions of someone obstructing justice.

Her claim of judicial immunity is weak.

As prosecutors noted, the U.S. Supreme Court has repeatedly ruled that immunity doesn’t apply to criminal acts.

If her defense succeeds in dismissing the case on immunity grounds, it would effectively give judges carte blanche to defy federal law, which would be disastrous for the rule of law.

Even more concerning is the fact that this case landed in the courtroom of a judge who is reportedly an ally of Dugan.

If this assignment was truly random, it’s a convenient coincidence that raises questions about impartiality.

This kind of legal favoritism is why public trust in the system is so low.

The average American would already be behind bars if they had done what Dugan is accused of.

But the politically connected often get second chances—or get off entirely.

We can only hope the DOJ assigned its best legal minds to this case.

There is no room for procedural missteps or sloppy arguments.

The facts are on their side, but one miscalculation could let Dugan walk free.

This is about more than one judge.

It’s about ensuring the law applies equally to everyone, no matter their title or robes.

The public deserves justice—and victims of crimes like domestic abuse deserve to see their day in court, not watch suspects slip out the back door.

The Bottom Line:

Judge Hannah Dugan is facing serious federal charges for allegedly helping an illegal immigrant escape ICE agents.

Her defense rests on a shaky claim of judicial immunity, while prosecutors argue she acted far outside her official duties.

The surveillance footage and DOJ’s filings suggest a clear case of obstruction, but her fate may rest with a sympathetic judge.

Justice should be blind, but whether the system delivers it in this case remains to be seen.

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