A federal jury indicted Milwaukee County Judge Hannah Dugan on Tuesday, alleging she assisted an undocumented immigrant in evading immigration authorities. Dugan was arrested last month, accused of obstructing justice and concealing Mexican national Eduardo Flores-Ruiz from federal law enforcement following a pre-trial hearing.
The arrest of the judge, who was led away in handcuffs while still in her judicial robe, sparked a wave of criticism from Democrats, while the Department of Justice defended its actions against the seasoned jurist. The indictment came after a daylong hearing, marking a significant development in the case.
Flores-Ruiz, 30, was initially in court for three misdemeanor charges stemming from a fight in March. It is alleged that Dugan attempted to help him evade authorities after becoming aware that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents were in the courthouse seeking him. Prosecutors claim she escorted Flores-Ruiz and his attorney out of the courtroom through a back door typically used by the jury.
The indictment alleges that Dugan, along with another judge, confronted the ICE agents in the courthouse. She then directed them to speak with the chief justice. Upon returning to her courtroom, she is said to have led Flores-Ruiz through an exit primarily used by staff, jurors, and defendants already in custody.
Flores-Ruiz, who was free on a signature bond at the time, was eventually captured outside the courthouse following a foot chase. His legal troubles began in mid-March when he was accused of assaulting and choking a man during an argument, and striking a woman who attempted to intervene, according to a police report.
Flores-Ruiz had previously been deported in 2013 and had reentered the U.S. illegally. Following her arrest, Dugan was temporarily relieved of her duties. Her defense team issued a brief statement, emphasizing that Dugan maintains her innocence and is looking forward to being exonerated in court.