Milwaukee Circuit Court Judge Hannah Dugan has been temporarily suspended from her judicial duties following federal charges related to an ongoing immigration case.
On Tuesday, the Wisconsin Supreme Court issued an administrative order stating that Judge Dugan is “temporarily prohibited from exercising the powers of a circuit court judge in the State of Wisconsin.” The court emphasized that this measure will remain in place pending further developments.
The decision follows Dugan’s arrest last Friday. According to federal documents, she is accused of obstructing official proceedings and assisting an individual in avoiding detention by federal authorities. The charges stem from an incident on April 18, when Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents were seeking to detain a man following a court appearance.
Authorities allege that Judge Dugan used a restricted jury exit to help the individual and his legal representative leave the courthouse through a non-public route, bypassing enforcement agents stationed outside the courtroom.
The individual in question, identified as Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, had returned to court to face multiple misdemeanor battery charges. Federal law enforcement, including ICE, FBI, CBP, and DEA agents, were reportedly present to take him into custody following his hearing.
Judge Dugan was taken into custody by federal agents last week and appeared in a Milwaukee federal court on Friday for a preliminary hearing. According to reports, she did not make a public statement during the appearance.
Her legal counsel, Craig Mastantuono, is expected to represent her at her next court date, which has been scheduled for May 15.
In the meantime, the Wisconsin Court System has confirmed that Judge Dugan’s caseload will be reassigned to other judges to ensure continuity in court proceedings.
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