A federal prosecutor told a jury Monday that a Wisconsin judge she would "take the consequences" after ordering an immigrant to run out the door of a private courtroom as federal agents tried to arrest him inside the courthouse.

The opening remarks by Assistant US Attorney Keith Alexander marked the start of an unusual trial against a court official Acting judge. Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan faces federal charges of obstruction and cover-up related to an immigration operation. The trial, taking place in a federal court in Milwaukee, centers on events that occurred in April when 31-year-old Eduardo Flores-Ruiz went to the county courthouse for a hearing on a pending state charge. According to the prosecution, Dugan led Flores-Ruiz through a back door that opened onto a public hallway after instructing immigration agents to speak with the presiding judge if they intended to make arrests inside the courthouse. Alexander maintained that the agents did not expect a judge, obliged to uphold the law, to interfere in a federal operation. “They did not anticipate that she would split the arrest team and impede their work,” Alexander told the jury.

Charges, Defense, and Political Repercussions

The prosecutor added that Dugan told her court reporter she was prepared to “take the consequences” for helping Flores-Ruiz leave the area where the federal agents were located, a statement the government considers key to proving.

The case's case is expected to extend at least through Thursday, with nearly two dozen witnesses called to testify. If convicted on both charges, Dugan could face up to six years in prison.

The defense maintains that the judge acted in accordance with existing court protocols regarding immigration arrests in courthouses. Her lawyer argues there was no intent to obstruct, but rather to refer the agents to the appropriate authority within the judicial system.

According to the defense,County Chief Judge Carl Ashley had circulated a draft policy that limited the execution of immigration warrants in non-public areas and required staff to refer agents to a supervisor.

Despite this, the agents followed Flores-Ruiz out of the building and arrested him after a brief foot chase. The Department of Homeland Security later announced his deportation after he pleaded not guilty in the local case and was sentenced to time served.

Before the trial, Federal Judge Lynn Adelman rejected a motion to dismiss the charges, concluding that there was no clearly established immunity protecting Dugan for the actions he is accused of.

The judge reported receiving threatening flyers at her home this spring. From the other side, Republican allies of the president have hardened their rhetoric. Congressman Tom Tiffany, who plans to run for governor of Wisconsin, publicly called for the judge to be jailed.