FBI arrests, charges Wisconsin judge for allegedly thwarting ICE arrest

The FBI on Friday arrested Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan for obstructing the arrest of an illegal immigrant, according to FBI Director Kash Patel. Dugan last week allegedly directed federal immigration agents away from the location of Eduardo Flores Ruiz, who was in her courthouse, allowing him to briefly evade capture. The agents chased and caught Ruiz on foot, Patel said. Court records show Flores Ruiz appeared before Dugan on three misdemeanor charges of battery domestic abuse.

U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi posted on Friday that Dugan’s arrest showed that no one is above the law. Milwaukee city alderman Peter Burgelis released a statement saying Dugan was innocent until proven guilty in court, and that he was sure her good character would be evident as she received due process.

What is Dugan charged with? U.S. Marshals Service spokesman Brady McCarron said Dugan was charged on Friday with two federal felonies: obstruction and concealing an individual, local news reported. McCarron also confirmed details of Dugan’s arrest, which occurred at about 8 a.m. at the Milwaukee County Courthouse.

Dugan was released Friday morning after an initial appearance in federal court, according to the Associated Press.

Dig deeper: Read Christina Grube’s report on the Friday sentencing of former U.S. Rep. George Santos.