Wisconsin Supreme Court suspends Judge Hannah Dugan after FBI arrest for allegedly obstructing ICE agents

Last updated on May 1, 2025 @ 1:26 PM PT

In a shocking development that has sent ripples through Wisconsin’s judicial system, Circuit Court Judge Hannah Dugan has been arrested by FBI agents. According to a criminal complaint filed by federal authorities, Judge Dugan allegedly interfered with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents who were attempting to arrest a man with an outstanding deportation order.

The case centers around Eduardo Flores Ruiz, who had previously been arrested for domestic violence battery and was subject to a deportation order issued in April 2013. Armed with an arrest warrant, ICE agents proceeded to the courthouse where they knew Flores Ruiz would be appearing.

ICE Agent Confrontation in Milwaukee Courthouse: What Happened

According to the criminal complaint, the agents arrived at Courtroom 615, which was presided over by Judge Dugan. Upon arrival, they identified themselves to the courtroom deputy and explained they were there to take Flores Ruiz into custody. The deputy reportedly told the agents to wait outside the courtroom until court proceedings had concluded.

When the deputy returned to the courtroom and informed Judge Dugan about the waiting agents, her reaction was reportedly immediate. The criminal complaint states that Judge Dugan declared the situation “absurd” before leaving her seat on the bench and proceeding to her chambers.

She then allegedly approached the agents in the hallway and questioned them about their purpose in the courthouse, asking if they had a court appearance scheduled that day. When the agents informed her they were there to make an arrest and had a warrant, Judge Dugan reportedly asked if they had a warrant. The agents confirmed they did and offered to show it to her.

Instead of reviewing the warrant, Judge Dugan allegedly directed one of the agents to speak with the chief judge. While one agent left to find the chief judge, Judge Dugan reportedly returned to her courtroom and instructed Flores Ruiz and his attorney to follow her through a back jury door and down a hallway.

It was during this alleged attempt to escort Flores Ruiz out of the building that agents spotted him. The complaint states that Flores Ruiz attempted to flee but was apprehended by the agents.

Federal Obstruction Charges Filed Against Judge Dugan

Following an investigation into the incident, Judge Dugan was charged with two serious federal felonies: obstructing or impeding a proceeding before a department or agency of the United States, and concealing an individual to prevent his discovery and arrest.

Judge Dugan’s Court Appearance and Wisconsin Supreme Court Suspension

Judge Dugan was subsequently brought before a federal judge who ordered her release pending trial. When approached by media representatives following her court appearance, Judge Dugan declined to comment on the charges against her, maintaining her right to silence.

It is important to note that the information provided in the criminal complaint reflects only the government’s allegations, and Judge Dugan is presumed innocent until proven guilty. The complaint itself comes from an FBI agent’s account, and Judge Dugan’s defense has not yet been publicly presented.

The Wisconsin Supreme Court has reportedly taken the step of suspending Judge Dugan while these serious allegations are investigated and adjudicated.

Seeking Legal Assistance

If you or a loved one has been injured due to someone else’s negligence, don’t navigate the system alone. Our experienced personal injury attorneys are ready to help protect your rights and secure the compensation you deserve. For a confidential consultation, call Wooldridge Law Injury Lawyers at (702) 867-8900 today.