Court rejects immunity from judge who helped undocumented immigrant in Wisconsin
Judge Hannah Dugan faces obstruction of justice charges for helping an immigrant escape arrest in state court
A federal judge in Wisconsin rejected arguments about judicial immunity from a state judge for protecting an undocumented immigrant from federal FBI agents who handed him over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
The Trump administration accused Judge Hannah Dugan of obstructing federal actions in its plan immigration court for deportations.
With the decision by Judge Lynn Adelman – appointed by President Bill Clinton – the case against Judge Dugan can continue.
“There is no basis to grant immunity simply because some of the allegations in the indictment describe conduct that could be considered ‘part of a judge’s job,’” Judge Adelman said.
Judge Dugan’s defense sought to have the case dismissed on federal charges of concealing a person from arrest and obstructing law enforcement.
The case gained national prominence in April when federal agents attempted to detain Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, a Mexican citizen, in State District Court in Milwaukee. Judge Dugan hid the immigrant in the room usually used for jurors.
Judge Dugan defended her actions, but was detained by federal authorities and, although she was released, faces charges.
She was FBI Director Kash Patel, who confirmed the judge's arrest via a message on X and warned that any official who attempts to obstruct federal actions will be charged in court.
Attorney General Pam Bondi joined the warning and, after Judge Dugan's arrest, added that no official would be above the law: "No matter what profession you work in, if you break the law, we will stick to the facts and prosecute you."
Judge Dugan pleaded "not guilty" to the charges and more than 150 former state and federal judges even signed a letter addressed to Attorney General Bondi, where they criticized the judge's arrest, which they described as an attempt to intimidate the judiciary.
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