Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Hannah Dugan was found guilty by a federal jury on Thursday for obstructing immigration agents. This incident occurred last April when agents attempted to arrest Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, an undocumented immigrant who was in Dugan’s court facing misdemeanor battery charges.
Details of the Case
Flores-Ruiz, a Mexican national, was apprehended outside the courthouse following a brief pursuit by immigration officials. He has since been deported. The grand jury indicted Dugan on charges of obstructing a proceeding and concealing an individual to prevent an arrest.
Trial Highlights
Dugan, who pleaded not guilty, was acquitted of the misdemeanor charge related to concealment. During the trial, federal agents testified that Dugan appeared “angry” when she confronted them in a public hallway, questioning if they had a judicial warrant. They also noted her actions in expediting Flores-Ruiz’s case.
- The agents stated that Dugan allowed Flores-Ruiz and his attorney to exit through a jury door.
- This move led to a public hallway, providing an unexpected escape route for Flores-Ruiz.
- Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelly Watzka described Dugan’s actions as a deliberate “round-up” of federal agents.
- Audio evidence from the courtroom revealed Dugan claiming she would “take the heat” for her decisions.
Defense Argument
Dugan’s legal team contended that the immigration enforcement policies at the courthouse were conflicting at the time, contributing to Dugan’s confusion. They emphasized that allowing Flores-Ruiz to exit through the jury door did not equate to concealment.
One of her attorneys, Jason Luczak, urged the jury to consider their role as a safeguard against government overreach. He appealed for justice, stating, “You’re the check on government overreach. Use your power to do justice in this case.”
Background Context
Prior to former President Trump’s administration, federal authorities were generally prohibited from operating within courthouses. However, this policy shifted when Trump took office, granting immigration agents broader enforcement powers, especially during his second term.
