On Wednesday, November 19, 2025, ABC News reported that plea negotiations are underway between prosecutors and Milwaukee County Judge Hannah Dugan, who stands accused of assisting an immigrant in evading federal agents. The announcement comes as Judge Dugan’s trial date approaches.

Brad Schimel, the interim U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, disclosed the ongoing discussions in a telephone interview with The Associated Press. Schimel stated that attorneys are exploring potential resolutions to the case, but noted that Judge Dugan’s legal team has not yet indicated a willingness to accept any proposed offers.

The possibility of a plea agreement represents a potential shift in strategy from prosecutors, particularly given the case’s prominence within President Donald Trump’s broader immigration enforcement efforts. Schimel characterized the plea negotiations as a standard procedure aimed at mitigating risk for both parties and achieving a mutually agreeable outcome.

Judge Dugan’s defense attorneys maintain her innocence and assert their readiness for trial, scheduled to commence on December 15. The charges against Judge Dugan stem from an incident in April when federal agents sought to apprehend Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, an immigrant in the country illegally, who was scheduled to appear in her courtroom on a state battery charge.

According to court documents, Judge Dugan became aware of the agents’ presence and allegedly facilitated Flores-Ruiz’s exit from the courthouse through a private door. Although Flores-Ruiz initially evaded capture, agents apprehended him after a brief foot pursuit. He has since been deported, according to a statement released by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on the Friday before the ABC News report.

Judge Dugan was arrested a week following the incident and subsequently indicted by a federal grand jury in May on charges of obstruction and concealing an individual to prevent arrest. She has defended her actions, asserting her authority over courtroom proceedings and denying any wrongdoing. A conviction on these charges could result in a prison sentence of up to six years.

The indictment of Judge Dugan has amplified tensions between the Trump administration and local authorities concerning immigration enforcement policies. Critics, including Democrats, have accused the administration of targeting Judge Dugan to suppress judicial opposition to its immigration crackdown. Social media posts from high-ranking officials, including FBI Director Kash Patel, have further fueled the controversy.

Schimel’s appointment as interim U.S. Attorney on Monday by U.S. Attorney General Pamela Bondi followed the departure of Richard Frohling, the former acting U.S. Attorney who initiated the case against Judge Dugan. Schimel previously served as Wisconsin’s attorney general from 2015 to 2019 and later held a state judgeship.

John Vaudreuil, a former U.S. Attorney in Wisconsin’s Western District, expressed surprise at Schimel’s public acknowledgment of plea negotiations, emphasizing the confidential nature of such discussions. He suggested that the announcement could be interpreted as an attempt to pressure the defendant. Vaudreuil also speculated that Schimel’s handling of the case is likely influenced by directives from the U.S. Department of Justice, potentially limiting the prospects for a resolution outside of a trial.

 

 

Source: ABC News