A Milwaukee County Circuit judge, Hannah Dugan, faces federal charges after being indicted for allegedly assisting an undocumented immigrant in evading arrest. This indictment, announced on Wednesday, follows accusations of obstruction and concealing an individual from federal authorities.
The allegations stem from an incident in April when Judge Dugan reportedly reacted with anger upon discovering that immigration agents were present in the courthouse to apprehend a defendant exiting her courtroom. According to the affidavit, she confronted the agents, insisted they ‘leave’ the courthouse, and claimed they did not have the correct warrant to detain the individual.
Witnesses shared that she intervened during the proceedings, guiding the defendant and his attorney through a side exit to avoid federal agents. Despite her efforts, the man was ultimately arrested outside after a brief chase.
Dugan first appeared in court regarding this matter on April 25 and was released on her own recognizance. She is scheduled for another court appearance on Thursday.
This incident raises important questions regarding the balance of judicial authority and immigration enforcement practices, particularly in courthouses, where these tensions can have significant consequences for both legal proceedings and individuals involved. As the case unfolds, it will be critical to observe the implications for similar cases and judicial conduct.
The situation serves as a reminder of the complexities surrounding immigration laws and judicial responsibilities in the United States.