A federal grand jury indicted Wisconsin Circuit Court Judge Hannah Dugan for allegedly obstructing federal agents from detaining an undocumented immigrant. The two-page indictment outlines Dugan’s actions, which include confronting Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents and incorrectly stating that they required a judicial warrant to execute their operation. Additionally, she purportedly instructed the undocumented individual and his attorney to exit through a different door to avoid detection by federal officials.
Dugan was arrested last month and faces charges related to obstructing a federal proceeding and concealing an individual to prevent his arrest. If convicted, she could face a maximum of six years in prison and fines up to $350,000. She is scheduled to enter her plea on the charges Thursday morning. Her attorney, Craig Mastantuono, stated that Dugan maintains her innocence, expressing her eagerness to be vindicated in court.
Her arrest aligns with a broader crackdown on immigration enforcement under the Trump administration, which included significant scrutiny of judges’ roles. Attorney General Pam Bondi commented on the heightened enforcement, declaring that anyone aiding an individual illegally residing in the U.S. would face prosecution.
In response to the situation, the Wisconsin Supreme Court temporarily removed Dugan from her judicial duties to preserve public trust in the court system while the legal proceedings unfold. Dugan was released on bond after her initial court appearance before a federal magistrate. Protests in Milwaukee emerged following her arrest, reflecting tensions between immigration enforcement actions and judicial independence.
Raquel Coronell Uribe reported on the breaking news, with contributions from Gary Grumbach and Gemma DiCasimirro.
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