Wisconsin Judge Faces Serious Charges After Allegedly Obstructing ICE

A judge in Milwaukee, Wisconsin could be facing significant prison time after reportedly aiding an illegal immigrant in evading Immigration and Customs Enforcement, according to a former federal prosecutor.

Details of the Allegations

Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Hannah Dugan, aged 65, was arrested Friday by the FBI and charged with obstruction of proceedings before a U.S. department or agency. The charges stem from incidents where she allegedly facilitated the escape of a previously-deported illegal immigrant, Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, from her courthouse to prevent his arrest by ICE.

Serious Charges Ahead

According to attorney Neama Rahmani, who has a background as a federal prosecutor, the implications of Dugan’s actions are severe. He stated that the potential prison sentence could be as high as five years if the individual in question was wanted for a felony charge, while a misdemeanor charge would yield a maximum sentence of one year.

Background on the Case

Dugan’s arrest occurred following Flores-Ruiz’s appearance in her courtroom on April 18, where he faced three misdemeanor battery charges. Despite these state-level charges, federal law enforcement officials pursued him for the serious crime of illegal reentry into the United States. Flores-Ruiz had previously been removed from the country in 2013.

The Legal Landscape

Rahmani explained that the Department of Justice appears to have a compelling case. If the allegations are confirmed, it would indicate that a judge directly assisted an individual seeking to avoid federal law enforcement intervention. He noted that it raises significant legal and ethical questions regarding a judge’s role in upholding immigration law.

DOJ Involvement

The Department of Justice affirmed that Flores-Ruiz was subject to arrest due to an administrative warrant issued by ICE related to immigration violations. Furthermore, Rahmani highlighted that under the Supremacy Clause, state judges are not entitled to disregard federal law, including federal warrants.

Implications of the Charges

Rahmani articulated that Dugan’s actions present a troubling scenario. He emphasized that judges, by virtue of their position, must adhere to the law and cannot impede federal immigration proceedings. Ignoring such legal obligations not only undermines the judicial process but also poses a threat to lawful immigration enforcement.

Conduct Inside the Courtroom

During Flores-Ruiz’s pre-trial hearing, Dugan allegedly instructed federal agents to vacate the courtroom, arguing they needed a judicial warrant. After evacuating the law enforcement officials, she reportedly canceled the hearing, even though the alleged victims were present in court.

According to various reports, Dugan then escorted Flores-Ruiz through a restricted entrance, allowing him to escape through a non-public hallway where federal agents later apprehended him following a brief chase.

Reactions from Legal Experts

Legal expert Rahmani asserted that Dugan’s arrest communicates a powerful message regarding adherence to the law. Regardless of personal feelings toward immigration policies, he conveyed that the law applies universally to everyone, including judges. This incident underscores the expectation that those involved in enforcing the law must not violate it.

Dugan’s Courtroom Status

In the aftermath of these allegations, sources confirmed that Dugan has been removed from her courtroom duties. The courtroom doors remain locked, signaling a significant shift in Dugan’s professional responsibilities. As of Wednesday, she was temporarily suspended from her judicial position.

Legal Representation

Dugan has engaged the law firm Mastantuono Coffee & Thomas for her defense. Notably, former U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, Steven Biskupic, has joined her defense team. Alongside Biskupic, ex-U.S. Solicitor General Paul Clement has also been retained to assist in Dugan’s legal battle.

Statement from Dugan’s Legal Team

The law firm representing Dugan released a statement affirming her commitment to the rule of law and the principle of due process throughout her career as both a lawyer and a judge. The firm expressed confidence in her defense and mentioned Dugan’s anticipation of being exonerated. They stated this would be the limit of any additional comments during the ongoing legal proceedings.

Next Steps in the Legal Process

Dugan is expected to appear in court again on May 15, as the legal process unfolds in this high-profile case. The implications of her actions and the subsequent fallout raise critical questions about judicial ethics and responsibilities within the context of federal law enforcement.

Contribution from Fox News’ Patrick McGovern and Garrett Tenney is acknowledged.