Overview

• Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan is accused of obstructing federal immigration agents by facilitating the escape of Eduardo Flores-Ruiz through a restricted courthouse exit.
• Flores-Ruiz, a Mexican national facing state misdemeanor charges and an ICE warrant for illegal reentry, was temporarily evaded federal custody before being arrested after a brief foot chase.
• The Wisconsin Supreme Court has temporarily suspended Dugan from her judicial duties to maintain public confidence during the criminal proceedings.
• Dugan has enlisted a high-profile legal team, including former U.S. Solicitor General Paul Clement, to vigorously defend against the federal charges.
• The case has reignited debates over federal immigration enforcement in courthouses, judicial independence, and comparisons to a similar 2018 case in Massachusetts where charges were later dropped.