Former Wisconsin Judge Convicted for Interfering with Immigration Enforcement
Hannah Dugan, a former judge in Wisconsin, has been convicted of a felony for assisting immigrants in evading federal authorities. This case underscores the contentious immigration policies during the Trump administration. Dugan is set to face sentencing in federal court on Wednesday.
The 67-year-old Dugan faces a potential five-year prison sentence following a jury’s decision on December 19. Two weeks after the verdict, she resigned from her position as a circuit judge in Milwaukee County amid potential impeachment pressures from Republican lawmakers. Dugan had served on the bench for nine years.
The charges against Dugan were filed by the Trump administration, driven by its aggressive stance on immigration. Critics, including Dugan’s legal team, argued that the administration aimed to vilify her as part of a broader strategy to intimidate judges opposing their policies.
Supporters of Dugan, including immigrant rights advocates, maintain that her case represents a significant challenge to the judicial system’s integrity amid the Trump administration’s restrictive immigration measures. The unfolding legal battle highlights the tension between law enforcement and the evolving landscape of immigration laws in the U.S.
In response to Dugan’s conviction, Republican Representative Tom Tiffany, a staunch Trump ally and gubernatorial candidate in Wisconsin, took to social media to advocate for her imprisonment.
While Dugan’s attorney refrained from making comments ahead of the sentencing, it is anticipated that Dugan will address the court on Wednesday. This will mark her first public statement regarding the case in more than a year.
Dugan’s defense team contended that, as a judge, she had immunity from prosecution. However, U.S. District Judge Lynn Adelman, who is presiding over the case, dismissed Dugan’s motion to overturn her obstruction conviction. Prosecutors contend that Dugan severely compromised her judicial responsibilities and posed risks to public safety.
In a memo filed prior to sentencing, Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard Frohling emphasized the gravity of Dugan’s actions, asserting that all judges, despite their discretion, must adhere to legal boundaries. He stated, “The defendant crossed that line.”
Dugan’s defense team has argued that she has already faced sufficient repercussions, including her resignation and public threats, urging the court to impose a sentence limited to the time she spent in federal custody. Under federal sentencing guidelines, Dugan’s conviction could lead to a prison term of 15 to 21 months, though judges hold discretion in issuing sentences.
The prosecution pointed out that the typical sentence for obstruction of justice in similar business-related cases is approximately 16 months, although they did not propose a specific sentence for Dugan. In the conclusion of their memo, Frohling asserted the necessity for a serious and appropriate sentence.
Regardless of the outcome, Dugan’s legal team has announced plans to appeal the decision. This case marks a historic moment as it is the first instance in Wisconsin where a state judge has been prosecuted for interfering with immigration officials. Notably, she was acquitted of a separate misdemeanor charge related to concealing identity to prevent arrest. The case stems from an incident on April 18, 2025, when immigration officials attempted to detain Eduardo Flores-Ruiz at the Milwaukee County Courthouse due to his illegal reentry into the U.S.
Dugan confronted the investigators and guided them to the presiding judge’s office, leading to confusion over the warrant’s validity. After the officials departed, she assisted Flores-Ruiz in leaving through a private exit. Authorities later captured him outside after a brief chase. Subsequently, Dugan was arrested in court a week later. Flores-Ruiz was ultimately deported in November.
