Judge Hannah Dugan has become the center of a high-profile federal case that highlights the tension between immigration enforcement and judicial independence. The Milwaukee County Circuit Judge was arrested in April and indicted on federal charges in May, pleading not guilty to allegations that she helped a man evade U.S. immigration agents. As of July 8, 2025, a federal magistrate judge has recommended that the case proceed, marking the latest development in this closely watched legal battle.
Background: Who Is Hannah Dugan?
Hannah C. Dugan, born in 1959, is an American attorney and judge from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, who has served as a Wisconsin circuit court judge for Milwaukee County since 2016. Before her judicial appointment, she built an impressive legal career serving as president of the Milwaukee Bar Association and executive director for Catholic Charities USA in southeastern Wisconsin.
Dugan was elected in April 2016 and primarily handled cases in the court’s misdemeanor division. Her background includes extensive work with legal aid organizations, establishing her as a respected figure in Milwaukee’s legal community.
The Federal Charges Against Judge Hannah Dugan
The case stems from events that occurred during a federal immigration enforcement operation at the Milwaukee County Courthouse. Dugan was arrested April 25 by FBI agents on federal allegations she prevented the arrest of a man by immigration authorities during a federal law enforcement operation at her courthouse.
Judge Hannah Dugan was indicted on charges of obstruction and concealing an individual from arrest, with federal prosecutors alleging she helped Eduardo Flores-Ruiz evade ICE agents. Dugan could face up to six years in prison and a $350,000 fine if convicted on both counts.
Recent Legal Developments
The most significant recent development came on July 8, 2025, when a federal magistrate judge recommended Monday that the case proceed against a Wisconsin judge who was indicted on allegations that she helped a man who is in the country illegally evade U.S. immigration agents.
U.S. District Judge Lynn Adelman can either accept or reject the federal magistrate judge’s recommendation. This recommendation comes after Dugan’s legal team attempted to have the charges dismissed based on judicial immunity claims.
Broader Implications for the Justice System
This case has drawn national attention as it represents a significant clash between federal immigration enforcement and local judicial authority. The case has become a high-profile confrontation between the Trump administration and the judiciary over immigration policies.
More than 130 retired judges urge federal court to drop charges against Wisconsin judge Hannah Dugan, demonstrating the legal community’s concern about the precedent this case might set. These retired judges argue that prosecuting a sitting judge for courtroom decisions could undermine judicial independence.
Professional Consequences
Dugan was suspended by the Wisconsin Supreme Court in April 2025 after being charged with the federal offenses. This suspension removes her from her judicial duties while the federal case proceeds, leaving her unable to hear cases or perform judicial functions.
The suspension reflects the serious nature of the federal charges, as judicial conduct boards typically take swift action when judges face criminal allegations that could impact their ability to serve impartially.
What’s Next in the Case
With the magistrate judge’s recommendation to proceed, the case now moves to the next phase of federal court proceedings. Her attorney said in a statement on her behalf that Dugan “asserts her innocence and looks forward to being vindicated”.
The final decision on whether to proceed rests with U.S. District Judge Lynn Adelman, who will review the magistrate’s recommendation and determine if the case should move forward to trial.
This federal prosecution represents a test case for how the justice system balances immigration enforcement with judicial independence, making it a closely watched legal proceeding with implications extending far beyond Milwaukee County.