Milwaukee Judge Faces Trial for Allegedly Helping Immigrant Evade Arrest

A Milwaukee judge, Hannah Dugan, is currently on trial facing charges of obstruction and concealment for allegedly aiding a Mexican immigrant in evading arrest. The trial began on April 18, 2023, and has drawn significant attention due to its unusual nature—bringing charges against a sitting judge amid heightened scrutiny of immigration enforcement practices.

During the second day of the trial, Kristela Cervera, a fellow judge, testified about her surprise at Dugan’s actions. She stated, “Judges shouldn’t help defendants evade arrest.” Cervera’s comments came after law enforcement officials described how Dugan’s actions on the day of the incident made their job more dangerous. Dugan is accused of helping Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, who was scheduled to appear before her on battery charges, escape arrest by directing federal officers to the chief judge’s office.

Cervera expressed her irritation at being drawn into the situation, stating that Dugan had summoned her out of her courtroom while still wearing her judicial robe. Dugan reportedly confronted federal officers aggressively, insisting they needed a judicial warrant before they could proceed with the arrest. Cervera then escorted the officers to the chief judge’s chambers while Dugan returned to her courtroom.

Testimony revealed that Dugan approached Cervera three days after the incident, indicating she was “in the doghouse” with the chief judge for attempting to assist Flores-Ruiz. Cervera stated that she was “shocked” to learn that Dugan had led Flores-Ruiz out through a private door, allowing him to evade federal officers.

Federal agents also provided testimony during the trial. FBI agent Phillip Jackling expressed concern over the division of his team when Dugan directed them to the chief judge. Joseph Zuraw, a Supervisory Officer with Customs and Border Protection, described a tense moment when Dugan instructed him to leave the area, compounding the risks associated with the arrest effort.

The arrest team, comprising six members, was reportedly positioned in the chief judge’s chambers or nearby when Flores-Ruiz escaped. They eventually pursued him outside the courthouse, requiring a chase through traffic that could have been avoided if the arrest had occurred within the building. Zuraw noted, “This is a bad spot we’re in right now,” highlighting the precariousness of their situation.

Dugan’s defense team argues that the federal agents had the opportunity to arrest Flores-Ruiz at multiple points in the hallway and that Dugan should not be held responsible for their decision to wait. Defense attorney Steven Biskupic asserted that Dugan did not intend to obstruct justice, claiming she was merely following a draft policy that advised court personnel to refer immigration agents to supervisors.

The charges against Dugan are a direct consequence of the immigration policies enforced during the administration of former President Donald Trump. Observers suggest that this case may serve as an example intended to deter other judges from opposing immigration enforcement measures in the future.

Following the incident, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security confirmed that Flores-Ruiz had been deported. As the trial continues, the implications of Dugan’s actions and the broader context of immigration enforcement remain key areas of discussion.