An unanticipated confrontation unfolded in a Milwaukee courthouse as Judge Hannah Dugan, a longtime Wisconsin jurist, was caught on video in a tense exchange with federal immigration agents.

Federal prosecutors now allege Judge Dugan deliberately helped a Mexican national, Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, evade arrest by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, a claim that has thrust the judge, her defenders, and her critics into a fierce legal and political battle. According to the New York Post, newly released footage shows Dugan confronting ICE agents before directing the suspect and his attorney toward a restricted exit.

The dramatic sequence, which occurred on April 18 and was captured by courthouse cameras, shows Dugan in her judicial robes redirecting agents and allegedly distracting them long enough for Flores-Ruiz, accused of domestic violence and illegal reentry, to slip away. The judge was arrested one week later and indicted on May 13 by a federal grand jury for obstructing a federal investigation.

Video footage sparks controversy

Video evidence at the center of the case reveals Judge Dugan sending ICE officers down a hallway to speak with the chief judge while Flores-Ruiz and his lawyer used a private exit normally reserved for jurors. Prosecutors claim these actions were an intentional effort to prevent federal authorities from apprehending Flores-Ruiz, who was facing three counts of domestic battery.

After exiting through the restricted door, Flores-Ruiz was briefly pursued by a federal agent and left the courthouse. Camera footage then shows him sprinting almost a block before being apprehended by ICE agents. The incident has ignited debate over the boundaries of judicial authority and the responsibilities of judges in handling immigration enforcement on courthouse grounds.

Flores-Ruiz, a Mexican national, had previously been deported in 2013, according to prosecutors. Authorities say he reentered the United States illegally, prompting ICE to target him for arrest as he faced concurrent domestic abuse charges in Milwaukee County Court.

Judge Dugan’s legal defense

Judge Dugan’s legal team has moved quickly to defend her actions, filing a motion to dismiss the charges on the grounds of judicial immunity. Her attorneys argue that her interaction with ICE and subsequent directions to courtroom personnel fell within the scope of her official duties and are therefore protected.

Dugan has “denied the charges against her,” according to court filings cited by the Justice Department. In a plea hearing held on May 15, she entered a not guilty plea and is scheduled to appear again in federal court for a pretrial hearing on July 9, with a jury trial set to begin July 21.

Supporters of Dugan contend that the judge was merely maintaining courtroom security and order, while ensuring the rights of the accused were protected during a period of heightened tension between local jurisdictions and federal immigration enforcement. Critics, however, view her actions as a brazen interference in a federal matter and a breach of judicial ethics.

Critics and defenders clash

Opponents of Judge Dugan’s conduct have labeled her actions as a clear obstruction of justice. Prosecutors allege that by misdirecting ICE agents and facilitating Flores-Ruiz’s exit, Dugan undermined a federal investigation. They say this sets a dangerous precedent for judicial interference in law enforcement activities.

Supporters point to the complexities of state and federal jurisdiction in courthouse settings, emphasizing the difficult position judges occupy when immigration agents seek to detain individuals at sensitive criminal proceedings. Some legal experts have suggested that Dugan’s case could have far-reaching implications for the autonomy of state courts and the conduct of federal agents in local courthouses.

Flores-Ruiz was ultimately recaptured shortly after leaving the courthouse and remains in federal custody on immigration charges. He has pleaded not guilty to charges of illegal reentry and will next appear in federal court on June 24. His domestic violence case continues separately in Milwaukee County.

High-profile case moves forward

Judge Dugan’s arrest and indictment have intensified ongoing debates over immigration enforcement, judicial independence, and the limits of official immunity. The case has drawn national attention, especially in light of frequent conflicts between local and federal authorities on immigration matters.

Dugan’s supporters maintain that her conduct was lawful and aimed at upholding due process, while her critics argue that it amounted to overt obstruction of a federal investigation. As the legal process unfolds, both sides are preparing for a high-stakes courtroom battle that could have lasting ramifications for the judiciary and law enforcement.

Court records show that Dugan’s next federal court appearance is slated for July 9, with her jury trial scheduled for July 21. Flores-Ruiz will face a final pretrial conference on June 24, while the status of his domestic abuse charges will be reviewed on June 18.