Wisconsin suspends judge charged with obstructing ICE

The Wisconsin Supreme Court on Tuesday temporarily barred Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan from all official duties after she was charged with two federal felonies. The FBI arrested and charged Dugan last week for attempting to help an illegal immigrant evade capture after he appeared in her courtroom for a misdemeanor hearing. The Wisconsin Supreme Court said Dugan cannot serve as a judge until it issues a further order. However, she will continue to receive her $174,512 annual salary, according to copies of the order obtained by local media. A reserve judge on Monday took over Dugan’s cases, local news reported.

What is Dugan charged with? She faces two federal felony charges: obstruction and concealing an individual, according to court documents. Dugan allegedly directed immigration authorities away from the location of Eduardo Flores Ruiz, an illegal immigrant charged with battery domestic abuse. He briefly evaded capture until the agents chased him down on foot, according to FBI director Kash Patel.

What did Dugan’s lawyers say about her suspension? The court’s unilateral act to suspend Dugan was disappointing, but her innocence would be proved in court, her legal team said in a statement to local news.

Dig deeper: Read my report on Dugan’s arrest for more details of the case.