On Monday, December 15, 2025, ABC News reported that the federal trial for Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Hannah Dugan commenced on Monday, following jury selection last week. Dugan faces charges of obstructing Department of Homeland Security removal proceedings and concealing an undocumented man, Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, from immigration authorities at the Milwaukee County Circuit Court in April.
The two-count federal indictment alleges that Dugan acted to prevent Flores-Ruiz’s arrest by immigration agents who were present at the courthouse on April 18. Flores-Ruiz was in court on a battery charge. Prosecutors claim that Dugan, after speaking with the agents, directed them to the chief judge’s office and then facilitated Flores-Ruiz’s exit through a non-public door, allegedly to help him evade arrest for immigration violations.
Dugan has pleaded not guilty to the charges. If convicted, she could face up to six years in prison. Prosecutors have indicated that they intend to call between 25 and 28 witnesses during the trial.
Dugan’s legal team previously sought to dismiss the case, arguing that she has judicial immunity for her official acts and that the prosecution is unconstitutional. However, Judge Lynn Adelman rejected this motion, stating that there was no basis for granting immunity based solely on the fact that the allegations describe conduct that could be considered part of a judge’s job.
In the wake of her arrest, the Wisconsin Supreme Court suspended Dugan from her official duties, stating that the suspension was in the public interest.
Flores-Ruiz, a Mexican native, was subsequently arrested and charged with unlawful reentry into the U.S. He pleaded guilty to the charge and was sentenced to time served earlier this month. DHS reported last month that Flores-Ruiz had been deported.
Source: ABC News
