Wisconsin Judge Under Fire for Helping Illegal Immigrant Evade ICE
Wisconsin Supreme Court opens probe into judge accused of aiding illegal immigrant evasion of ICE.
2 min read
Wisconsin’s Supreme Court has launched an investigation into former Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Hannah Dugan, who is accused of helping an illegal immigrant evade Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), according to a letter obtained by The Daily Wire. The probe could lead to her disbarment, raising serious questions about her fitness to practice law.
Complaint Leads to Investigation
The investigation was prompted by a complaint filed by the Center to Advance Security in America (CASA) with the Wisconsin Office of Lawyer Regulation in July. CASA sought Dugan’s disbarment, citing her involvement in a case where she allegedly obstructed ICE’s efforts to arrest an illegal immigrant with a criminal history.
Judge’s Actions Lead to Felony Obstruction Charge
In December, a jury found Dugan guilty of felony obstruction after she diverted ICE officers in April 2025. During the incident, Dugan became “visibly angry” and called the situation “absurd,” according to authorities. She directed ICE officers to the chief judge’s chambers and instructed Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, who was charged with three counts of battery, domestic abuse, and infliction of physical pain, to exit through a “jury door” leading to a nonpublic area of the courthouse.
ICE later located the illegal immigrant outside the building and pursued him in a foot chase before arresting him.
CASA Calls for Full Accountability
CASA argued that Dugan “shockingly” failed to express remorse for her actions. During her sentencing hearing in July, Dugan expressed hope for returning to public service, but federal guidelines recommended a sentence between 15 and 21 months in prison. Instead, she was fined $5,000 and avoided incarceration.
Curtis Schube, CASA’s Director of Research and Policy, emphasized that Dugan has yet to face full accountability. “Not only did her actions make her unfit to be a judge, but they also call into question her fitness as an attorney,” Schube said in a statement.
Legal and Ethical Concerns
ICE is a branch of federal law enforcement, and obstructing its operations is akin to hindering a police or FBI investigation, Schube added. The case has sparked broader discussions about the ethical responsibilities of legal professionals and the consequences of undermining immigration enforcement.
Source: Daily Wire
