Immunity ruling lets case against Milwaukee judge proceed

A federal judge on Tuesday allowed a case to proceed against Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan, who is accused of helping a man evade immigration agents during a courthouse visit. The ruling, which rejects her claim of immunity, keeps the two-count indictment in play and clears the path for a potential trial that could carry substantial penalties if she is convicted.

Prosecutors say the incident unfolded inside the Milwaukee courthouse in April when Eduardo FloresRuiz, a 31-year-old who had entered the country illegally, appeared before Dugan. They allege that after learning ICE agents were there to arrest him, Dugan escorted FloresRuiz and his attorney out of the courtroom through a back doorway typically used by deputies, jurors, and court staff. A short time later, FloresRuiz was arrested outside the building following a brief foot chase. Four days afterward, Dugan reported a flyer found at family members’ homes and workplaces from an antigovernment group, but she maintained she did not know FloresRuiz’s immigration status and denied giving him special treatment in court.

Dugan has pleaded not guilty to the charges, which are concealing an individual to prevent...