MADISON, Wis. – Milwaukee County Judge Hannah Dugan’s trial begins on Monday, December 15. The Trump administration sought charges against Dugan for her actions in the spring. Dugan faces federal charges of obstructing a proceeding and concealing an individual to prevent his discovery and arrest.
The trial in federal court in Milwaukee revolves around what happened with Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, 31. Flores arrived at the county courthouse in April for a hearing on a state crime. Prosecutors allege that Dugan led him out through a back door, which led to a public corridor. This was after Dugan allegedly told ICE agents to consult with the chief judge about attempted arrests in the courthouse.
A prosecutor informed jurors that Dugan said she would “take the heat” for aiding an immigrant through a private courtroom door as federal agents tried to detain him.
“They did not expect a judge, sworn to uphold the law, would divide their arrest team and impede their efforts to do their jobs,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Keith Alexander expressed to the jury.
Dugan faces up to six years in prison if convicted on both charges.
The trial is anticipated to last through at least Thursday. At least two dozen witnesses are lined up to testify.
Defense attorney Steven Biskupic claims Dugan had no intention of impeding the immigration officers.
Biskupic further argues that the judge was following policy and that other ICE agents chose not to arrest Flores-Ruiz and instead followed him out of the building. Officials later arrested him after a chase on foot.
“Now, after the fact, everyone wants to blame Judge Dugan,” Biskupic said.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced in November that Flores-Ruiz pleaded no contest to the local battery case he originally showed up in court for. DHS deported him after sentencing him to time served.
The Trump administration has labeled Dugan as an activist judge. Democrats claim that Trump is aiming to use her as an example for judicial opposition to immigration enforcement.
