The federal trial of Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan begins today, as prosecutors allege she helped an illegal alien escape arrest by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) earlier this year.
Dugan is charged with obstruction of federal proceedings and concealing a person from arrest over her alleged actions involving Eduardo Flores-Ruiz.
Flores-Ruiz is an illegal alien who has since pled guilty to re-entering the U.S. and no contest to one count of battery.
According to court filings cited by Reuters, Dugan became “visibly angry” when she learned that ICE agents were waiting outside her courtroom to arrest Flores-Ruiz.
Opening Arguments Begin Today
According to the Associated Press, today’s proceedings open with statements from both the defense and prosecution, followed by testimony from the prosecution’s first witness.
Prosecutors are expected to present around two dozen witnesses, and their case is likely to span most of the week.
If convicted on both counts, Dugan faces up to six years in prison.
Prosecutors Say Judge Interfered With ICE Arrest
Federal prosecutors allege that Dugan assisted Flores-Ruiz in evading ICE.
The Democrat-aligned judge directed the illegal alien toward a side exit after learning that agents were positioned to take him into custody.
Court filings state that Dugan not only displayed anger at ICE’s presence but also falsely told law enforcement that they needed a judicial warrant to conduct an arrest.
However, it’s a claim that prosecutors say has no basis in law.
Flores-Ruiz ultimately fled the courthouse through a side door but was apprehended outside after a short chase.
Motion to Dismiss Previously Rejected
Dugan previously attempted to have the charges dismissed, arguing she was acting within her official judicial capacity.
In August, U.S. District Judge Lynn Adelman rejected that argument, writing:
“There is no firmly established judicial immunity barring criminal prosecution of judges for judicial acts.”
As the trial unfolds, the case is drawing national attention for its intersection of judicial conduct, immigration enforcement, and claims of political resistance to federal law.
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