A Judge's Stand: Helping an Undocumented Man Avoid ICE

A Wisconsin judge is about to face a federal trial.

Her crime? Helping an undocumented man avoid arrest by immigration authorities.

The Details

• Judge Hannah Dugan from Milwaukee County has been charged with two serious counts.
• Prosecutors allege she tried to block an immigration removal process and hid the man from immigration agents.
• The incident occurred in April at a courthouse.

The Defense

• Dugan maintains her innocence.
• Her trial is set to begin soon, with prosecutors planning to call 25 to 28 witnesses.
• If convicted, she could face up to six years in prison.

What Happened?

• Federal agents were at the courthouse to arrest Eduardo Flores-Ruiz on a battery charge.
• After speaking with the agents, Dugan allegedly sent them to the chief judge's office.
• She then helped Flores-Ruiz leave through a non-public door to avoid immigration arrest.

Legal Arguments

• Dugan's lawyers argue her arrest is rare and tried to dismiss the case.
• They claimed judicial immunity and argued the prosecution is unconstitutional.
• A judge denied their motion, stating immunity doesn't apply just because actions might be part of a judge's job.

Aftermath

• The Wisconsin Supreme Court suspended Dugan, citing the public's interest.
• Flores-Ruiz, a Mexican national, was later arrested and charged with unlawful reentry into the U.S.

Big Questions

• Should a judge intervene in an immigration arrest?
• What are the limits of judicial immunity?
• What does this mean for undocumented immigrants seeking justice?