A newly released video has raised questions about a Milwaukee County judge’s actions during a federal immigration enforcement operation involving a defendant exiting her courtroom.
Surveillance footage from April 18 shows Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan speaking with federal immigration agents outside her courtroom. The agents were present to arrest Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, who had just appeared in court on local battery and domestic abuse charges. According to authorities, Flores-Ruiz was also identified as being in the country without legal documentation and had previously been deported in 2013.
Following the court proceedings, video shows the agents speaking briefly with Judge Dugan, then walking down a hallway. Moments later, Flores-Ruiz, accompanied by his attorney, exited the courtroom through a door typically restricted to jury access, rather than the public hallway where agents had been waiting.
Additional surveillance footage shows Flores-Ruiz leaving the courthouse and running down the street before being apprehended by federal authorities.
Legal Response and Charges
On May 13, a federal grand jury indicted Judge Dugan on charges of obstructing justice and concealing an individual to prevent arrest. The indictment alleges that her actions, including directing agents to speak with the chief judge and allowing access to a restricted exit, contributed to Flores-Ruiz temporarily avoiding arrest.
Judge Dugan has pleaded not guilty to the charges. Her legal team has filed a motion to dismiss the case, arguing that her actions fall under the scope of judicial immunity, which protects judges from legal liability for official acts performed in their capacity on the bench.
A pretrial hearing is scheduled for July 9, with a jury trial set for July 21, according to court records.
Status of the Defendant
Flores-Ruiz also faces federal charges for illegal reentry into the United States following a previous deportation. He has pleaded not guilty to those charges and is scheduled to appear in federal court for a pretrial conference on June 24. He also has a state court hearing related to the battery and domestic abuse charges set for June 18.
Judicial Oversight
In response to the federal indictment, the Wisconsin Supreme Court issued an administrative order temporarily suspending Judge Dugan from her duties. The order states that she is prohibited from exercising judicial powers “until further order of the court.”
The case has drawn public attention due to its intersection of immigration enforcement, judicial conduct, and criminal justice. The outcome may set important precedents regarding the limits of judicial authority and the obligations of court officials when interacting with law enforcement.
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