FBI Arrests Milwaukee Judge Accused of Helping a Man Evade Immigration Agents

A judge from Milwaukee was arrested by the FBI on Friday for allegedly aiding a man in evading immigration authorities. This incident has intensified the tension between the Trump administration and the judiciary regarding the president’s strict immigration policies. The FBI stated that Judge Hannah Dugan intentionally misled federal agents away from the man they were trying to apprehend at her courthouse last week.

FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed the arrest on social media, mentioning that the judge’s actions posed a risk to public safety. Dugan was taken into custody on the courthouse grounds by the FBI and appeared in federal court later in the day before being released. Her attorney expressed regret over the arrest and emphasized that it was not in the public’s best interest.

Dugan faces charges of concealing an individual to prevent arrest and obstructing a legal process. She allegedly escorted the man, Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, out of the courtroom to help him avoid arrest by immigration agents. The FBI affidavit revealed that Dugan was alerted to the agents’ presence in the courthouse and reacted angrily before assisting the man in leaving through a restricted area.

This arrest follows a pattern of conflicts between the Trump administration and judges over executive actions on immigration. Senator Tammy Baldwin criticized the arrest, stating that it jeopardizes the separation of powers between the branches of government. The case draws parallels to a previous incident involving a Massachusetts judge accused of aiding a man in evading immigration enforcement.

The Justice Department has made it clear that obstructing federal functions will not be tolerated, emphasizing that no one is above the law. Dugan, who has served in various divisions of the county court, was elected in 2016 and has a background in legal services before entering public office.