On Wednesday, August 27, 2025, ABC News reported that a federal judge in Wisconsin rejected a motion by Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Hannah Dugan to dismiss federal charges against her. The charges allege that Dugan concealed an undocumented immigrant to prevent his arrest by immigration authorities.
The ruling, issued on Tuesday by Judge Lynn Adelman, dismissed Dugan’s claim of judicial immunity. Adelman stated that there was no basis for granting immunity simply because some of the alleged actions could be considered part of a judge’s duties. This decision followed a magistrate judge’s earlier recommendation to proceed with the case.
Dugan was arrested in April 2025 and faces a two-count federal indictment. The charges include knowingly concealing a person sought by immigration authorities and obstructing Department of Homeland Security removal proceedings. She has pleaded not guilty. A scheduling hearing for the case is set for September 3, 2025.
According to prosecutors, the incident occurred on April 18, 2025, when federal agents arrived at Milwaukee County Circuit Court to arrest an undocumented man appearing in Dugan’s courtroom on a battery charge. Prosecutors allege that after speaking with the agents, Dugan directed them to the chief judge’s office and then allowed the man and his attorney to leave through a non-public door, purportedly to help him avoid arrest for immigration violations. The man was later apprehended.
Dugan’s legal team argued for dismissal, citing judicial immunity and referencing a U.S. Supreme Court decision on presidential immunity. However, prosecutors countered that established law permits judges to be prosecuted for criminal acts.
Following her arrest, the Wisconsin Supreme Court suspended Dugan, stating that it was in the public interest for her to be temporarily relieved of her duties.
Source: ABC News
