MILWAUKEE — A federal judge has sentenced former Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan to a $5,000 fine for obstructing federal immigration authorities, concluding a high-profile case that drew national attention to tensions between local courts and ICE operations.
U.S. District Judge Lynn Adelman handed down the sentence Thursday, opting against prison time or probation for the 67-year-old Dugan. Adelman described her actions as “a bad decision by an otherwise good person” who had dedicated decades to public service.
The case stemmed from an April 2025 incident in Dugan’s courtroom, where ICE agents attempted to arrest Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, a Mexican national facing domestic violence charges who had previously been deported. According to trial evidence, Dugan questioned the validity of the agents’ warrant, then escorted Flores-Ruiz out through a restricted courthouse exit, allowing him to briefly evade capture.
Dugan was convicted of felony obstruction following a December 2025 trial. Prosecutors argued that her interference was serious and undermined federal law enforcement efforts. Her defense team maintained that she acted out of concern for courtroom safety and the well-being of those present.
Dugan resigned from the bench amid threats and public backlash following her arrest. She has maintained her innocence and plans to appeal the conviction, which her legal team has described as the first ruling of its kind in Wisconsin.
In issuing the relatively lenient sentence, Judge Adelman appeared to weigh Dugan’s long career on the bench against the gravity of the offense. The fine is due immediately, according to court records.
The case has sparked debate over judicial authority, immigration enforcement in courthouses, and the limits of local officials’ interactions with federal agents. Supporters of Dugan viewed her actions as protective of due process, while critics accused her of actively shielding a previously deported individual from lawful arrest.
