From the Liveblog of
Friday, April 25, 2025
Milwaukee judge arrested over claim she helped man evade immigration agents
The FBI arrests a Milwaukee judge accused of helping a man evade immigration authorities, escalating a clash between the Trump administration and the judiciary over the Republican president’s sweeping immigration crackdown.
FBI Director Kash Patel announces on social media the arrest of Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Hannah Dugan, who he says “intentionally misdirected” federal agents away from a man they were trying to take into custody at her courthouse last week.
“Thankfully our agents chased down the perp on foot and he’s been in custody since, but the Judge’s obstruction created increased danger to the public,” Patel writes.
Dugan was taken into custody by the FBI this morning on the courthouse grounds, according to US Marshals Service spokesperson Brady McCarron. She appeared briefly in federal court in Milwaukee later Friday before being released from custody. Her next court appearance is May 15.
“Judge Dugan wholeheartedly regrets and protests her arrest. It was not made in the interest of public safety,” her attorney, Craig Mastantuono, said during the hearing.
Dugan is accused of escorting the man, Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, and his lawyer out of the courtroom through the jury door on April 18 as a way to help avert his arrest, according to an FBI affidavit filed in court.
The Times of Israel Community.