Wisconsin Judge Arrested for Allegedly Helping Undocumented Man Evade Authorities

What Happened?

The FBI arrested a Wisconsin judge, Friday, who allegedly helped an undocumented man evade immigration authorities.

FBI Director, Kash Patel, took to social media to announce the arrest of Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge, Hannah Dugan, on charges of obstruction.

'We believe Judge Dugan intentionally misdirected federal agents away from the subject to be arrested in her courthouse, Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, allowing the subject — an illegal alien — to evade arrest,' Patel stated.

He adds that the man is currently in custody after agents were able to chase him down on foot.

'The Judge’s obstruction created increased danger to the public,' Patel said.

Dugan was taken into custody Friday morning on the courthouse grounds, U.S. Marshals Service spokesperson told reporters.

She appeared briefly in federal court before being released from custody.

Her next court appearance is May 15.

It's an escalation in the clash between the Trump administration and several federal judges over sweeping crackdown measures.

Why it Matters

Attorney Craig Mastantuono told reporters that 'Judge Dugan wholeheartedly regrets and protests her arrest. It was not made in the interest of public safety.'

According to an FBI affidavit, Dugan allegedly escorted Flores-Ruiz and his lawyer out of the courtroom through the jury door on April 18.

The move is said to have been intended to help avert his arrest.

A courtroom deputy allegedly heard Dugan say something along the lines of 'wait, come with me,’ before helping the two to a non-public area.

'Only deputies, juries, court staff, and in-custody defendants being escorted by deputies used the back jury door,' the affidavit stated. 'Defense attorneys and defendants who were not in custody never used the jury door.'

The Justice Department charged a Massachusetts judge in 2019 under similar allegations during President Donald Trump’s first administration.

Former District Court Judge, Shelly Joseph, helped a man who was living in the U.S. illegally sneak out a back door of a courthouse to evade ICE agents.

During Trump's current term, mass deportation efforts still play out as attorneys seek guidance on how to challenge the Alien Enemies Act.

The Supreme Court has temporarily blocked the measure from removing a group of Venezuelan immigrants under the act.

How it Affects You

Some federal judges claim they have found probable cause that the White House acted in contempt over carrying out some deportations.

The Trump administration has denied such allegations as it continues to carry out mass deportation efforts.

It remains unclear what path future deportation rulings may have as the growing challenge for migrants continues to expand.