• Wisconsin circuit judge faces up to five years in prison after six-hour jury deliberation
  • Prosecutors played audio of Dugan saying she would “take the heat” for her actions
  • Defendant Eduardo Flores-Ruiz was captured after foot chase and later deported to Mexico

MILWAUKEE, WI (TDR) — A federal jury found Judge Dugan guilty of felony obstruction Thursday evening for interfering with immigration agents attempting to arrest an undocumented immigrant in her Milwaukee County courtroom last April.

The 66-year-old circuit judge now faces up to five years in federal prison after jurors deliberated for approximately six hours before reaching their decision. She was acquitted on a separate misdemeanor charge of concealing an individual to prevent arrest.

Audio Evidence Seals Judge Dugan Guilty Verdict

The case centered on events from April 18 when Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents arrived at the Milwaukee County Courthouse to arrest Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, a Mexican national appearing before Hannah Dugan on misdemeanor battery charges stemming from a domestic dispute.

Prosecutors presented audio recordings from the courtroom that proved particularly damaging to her defense.

“I’ll get the heat.”

That statement, captured as Dugan discussed who would assist Flores-Ruiz in exiting through a private door, became central to the government’s case. Prosecutors argued she deliberately misdirected agents to the chief judge’s office, creating an escape route for the defendant.

Violent Criminal History Behind Judge Dugan Guilty Case

The Department of Homeland Security characterized Flores-Ruiz as a violent criminal illegal alien with charges including battery and domestic abuse. He had previously been deported in 2013 after illegally crossing the border in Nogales, Arizona, but reentered the country days later.

Flores-Ruiz worked in Milwaukee restaurants for approximately 12 years before his March arrest on battery charges following a fight with roommates. Federal agents discovered his immigration status after the Milwaukee County Jail submitted his fingerprints to federal databases.

Defense Claims Overreach as Judge Dugan Guilty Verdict Stands

Dugan’s attorneys argued throughout the trial that immigration enforcement policy at the courthouse was in flux, causing legitimate confusion among judges. Defense attorney Jason Luczak urged jurors to check government overreach during closing arguments.

“You’re the check on government overreach. Use your power to do justice in this case.”

Lead defense attorney Steve Biskupic expressed disappointment following the verdict, questioning how jurors could reach a split decision. He confirmed the defense plans to appeal the conviction.

Trump Administration Celebrates Judge Dugan Guilty Outcome

Attorney General Pam Bondi celebrated the verdict in a statement posted to social media platform X.

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

The prosecution marked a significant victory for President Trump‘s aggressive immigration enforcement efforts, which have increasingly targeted local officials perceived as obstacles to federal operations.

What Happens Now That Judge Dugan Guilty Verdict Is Final

Flores-Ruiz was captured after a brief foot chase outside the courthouse on April 18 and has since been deported to Mexico. The Wisconsin Supreme Court suspended Dugan with pay shortly after her April arrest, a salary of approximately $175,000 annually.

Under Wisconsin law, Dugan is no longer eligible to hold public office following her felony conviction. U.S. District Judge Lynn Adelman has not yet scheduled a sentencing date.

Will the Judge Dugan guilty verdict deter other jurists from challenging federal immigration enforcement in their courtrooms?

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