FBI Arrests Milwaukee Judge Accused of Obstructing ICE Arrest

*UPDATE* – CNN reports Judge Hannah Dugan is charged in federal court with two felony counts—obstruction and concealing an individual—for allegedly helping an undocumented immigrant evade arrest. She appeared for an initial hearing and has since been released from custody.

A statement from Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley about the arrest, “I am aware of the arrest of Judge Hannah Dugan. Like any individual in this country, I believe she is entitled to due process. We should let the facts come to light and the legal process play out.”

Congresswoman Gwen Moore comments on the arrest, “I am aware of reports that Milwaukee Circuit Court Judge Hannah Dugan was arrested by the FBI this morning. This Administration’s willingness to weaponize federal law enforcement is shocking and this arrest has all the hallmarks of overreach. Federal law enforcement coming into a community and arresting a judge is a serious matter and would require a high legal bar. I will be following this case closely and facts will come out”

Attorney General Pam Bondi confirms the arrest on X, “I can confirm that our FBI agents just arrested Hannah Dugan”

I can confirm that our @FBI agents just arrested Hannah Dugan – a county judge in Milwaukee – for allegedly helping an illegal alien avoid an arrest by @ICEgov.

No one is above the law.

— Attorney General Pamela Bondi (@AGPamBondi) April 25, 2025

Voces de la Frontera and other activist groups are calling for action in Milwaukee, “Milwaukee Call to Action: Come to Federal Courthouse in Milwaukee at 3pm TODAY, Friday, April 25th. Justice for Judge Dugan!”

AG Bondi talked about the issue from her standpoint this morning, “And if you are destroying evidence, if you’re obstructing justice, when you have victims sitting in a courtroom of domestic violence and you’re escorting a criminal defendant out a back door, it will not be tolerated, and it is a crime in the United States of America. Doesn’t matter who you are, you’re going to be prosecuted.”

ORIGINAL STORY

MILWAUKEE, Wis – (Civic Media) – The FBI arrested Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan on obstruction charges Friday after she allegedly helped an undocumented immigrant evade ICE agents during a courthouse arrest operation last week.

According to a now-deleted statement from FBI Director Kash Patel’s social media account, Dugan intentionally misdirected federal agents attempting to apprehend Eduardo Flores Ruiz, a Mexican national facing misdemeanor battery charges, allowing him to temporarily escape before being captured.

Patel praised Milwaukee FBI agents for apprehending Flores Ruiz but warned the judge’s actions “created increased danger to the public”. The arrest follows escalating scrutiny over ICE enforcement at the Milwaukee County Courthouse, where agents have conducted multiple arrests since March.

We’re working on learning more about this breaking news.