Dugan Guilty of Obstructing ICE Agents, ‘No One is Above the Law’

A sitting judge is now a convicted felon.

A federal jury found Milwaukee County Judge Hannah Dugan guilty Thursday of felony obstruction for helping an illegal migrant evade immigration agents who were attempting to serve a warrant during a court appearance.

Prosecutors said Dugan crossed the line in April when she helped Mexican national Eduardo Flores-Ruiz and his lawyer slip out a back jury door after ICE agents arrived at the courthouse to detain him.

Jurors acquitted Dugan on a misdemeanor concealment charge, but they convicted her on the felony count, delivering a decisive rebuke to a judge accused of abusing her position to interfere with federal law enforcement.

Dugan’s legal team immediately pushed back.

“While we are disappointed in today’s outcome, the failure of the prosecution to secure convictions on both counts demonstrates the opportunity we have to clear Judge Dugan’s name and show she did nothing wrong in this matter,” her defense team said.

They vowed to fight on.

“We have planned for this potential outcome and our defense of Judge Dugan is just beginning. This trial required considerable resources to prepare for and public support for Judge Dugan’s defense fund is critical as we prepare for the next phase of this defense.”

Dugan now faces up to five years in prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.

The Justice Department, meanwhile, celebrated the verdict as a clear statement about the rule of law.

Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche didn’t mince words.

“Today, a federal jury of her peers found her guilty and sent a clear message: the American people respect law and order. Nobody is above the law,” Blanche wrote on X.

“This Department will not tolerate obstruction, will enforce federal immigration law, and will hold criminals to account – even those who wear robes.”

Attorney General Pam Bondi also reacted to the story on X, saying, “NO ONE IS ABOVE THE LAW. No one can obstruct law enforcement as they carry out their basic duties. This Department of Justice will not waver as our agents and law enforcement partners continue to make America Safe Again.”

NO ONE IS ABOVE THE LAW. No one can obstruct law enforcement as they carry out their basic duties. This Department of Justice will not waver as our agents and law enforcement partners continue to make America Safe Again. https://t.co/7KO0Bzj39v

— Attorney General Pamela Bondi (@AGPamBondi) December 19, 2025