On Wednesday, April 23, 2025, WISN 12 News reported that a Milwaukee County judge is currently under investigation following allegations that she obstructed immigration agents during a court hearing. Judge Hannah Dugan, who has served on the bench for nine years, is facing scrutiny after an incident involving a defendant wanted by federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
According to law enforcement sources, ICE agents were present outside Dugan’s courtroom last Friday, prepared to detain a man appearing in court. Allegations suggest that Judge Dugan intervened to protect the individual from being taken into custody by ICE agents.
Chief Judge Carl Ashley confirmed the presence of ICE agents in an email shared with WISN 12 News, stating that they had a warrant and were instructed to wait outside the courtroom. However, he indicated that he had no further information regarding the events that transpired within Judge Dugan’s courtroom.
On Wednesday afternoon, when approached for comments about the ongoing investigation, Judge Dugan declined to provide any statements. She continues her judicial duties and is actively hearing cases.
A sign posted outside her courtroom, dated April 14, 2025, encourages individuals who feel unsafe attending the courthouse to contact Dugan’s clerk to arrange remote hearings via Zoom.
An ICE spokesperson confirmed that they would not disclose details about the incident or whether the individual in question was detained. Additionally, sources indicated that the FBI is now investigating the matter, though an FBI spokesperson has not confirmed their involvement.
Source: WISN 12 News
