Federal Judge Denies Dugan Motion on Obstruction Conviction

A federal judge in Wisconsin has denied a motion by former Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan to overturn her felony conviction for obstructing Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents during an arrest attempt in a courthouse. The ruling, issued on April 6 by U.S. District Judge Lynn Adelman, upholds the December jury verdict and leaves Dugan facing up to five years in prison.

The case stems from an incident on April 18, 2025, at the Milwaukee County Courthouse. Dugan was presiding over a domestic abuse case involving Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, a 31-year-old Mexican national who had previously been removed from the United States and was subject to an administrative immigration warrant. Federal agents from ICE and other agencies arrived at the courthouse to detain Flores-Ruiz after his court appearance.

According to trial evidence, including surveillance footage and courtroom audio, Dugan learned of the agents' presence outside her courtroom. She confronted the plainclothes officers in a public hallway, appearing upset and directing them to speak with the chief judge. Dugan then instructed Flores-Ruiz and his attorney to exit through a restricted jury door, which is not...