Daijiworld Media Network - Milwaukee
Milwaukee, May 15: Milwaukee County Judge Hannah Dugan pleaded not guilty on Wednesday to federal charges alleging she tried to help an undocumented immigrant avoid arrest in her courtroom, placing her at the center of a national legal and political firestorm.
The plea was entered by her attorney, former U.S. Attorney Steve Biskupic, during a brief four-minute arraignment before U.S. Magistrate Judge Stephen Dries. The courtroom was packed with media and observers as the high-profile case officially moved forward.
Judge Dugan, 66, was indicted May 13 on two counts: obstructing a federal agency (a felony) and concealing an undocumented immigrant (a misdemeanor). If convicted, she faces up to six years in prison and $350,000 in fines, though sentencing guidelines for nonviolent crimes typically result in significantly lower penalties.
The charges stem from an April 18 incident, when federal agents arrested Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, an undocumented immigrant, outside the courthouse after he appeared before Dugan on unrelated misdemeanor charges. Federal prosecutors allege that Dugan interfered with efforts to apprehend him by attempting to shield his presence from the arrest team.
The case has ignited political tensions and protests, with more than 200 demonstrators rallying outside the federal courthouse on Wednesday.
Protesters, some holding signs like “Only Fascists Arrest Judges” and “Hands Off Our Immigrant Brothers and Sisters,” voiced opposition to what they view as federal overreach and a politically motivated crackdown on immigrants and judicial independence.
Judge Dugan has since been placed on paid administrative leave by the Wisconsin Supreme Court. She has served nearly a decade on the bench and earns an annual salary of approximately $175,000.
Her legal team, which includes attorneys Jason D. Luczak and Nicole M. Masnica, has filed a motion to dismiss the charges, arguing judicial immunity and federal overreach. The motion will be considered by U.S. Magistrate Judge Nancy Joseph, while US District judge Lynn Adelman—a former Democratic senator—will preside over the trial.
Next court hearing: July 9
Trial date: Tentatively set for July 21
U S Attorney Richard Frohling, representing the prosecution, said the trial may last about one week. Both sides acknowledged that selecting an impartial jury could be challenging given the case’s media exposure and political undertones.
Dugan and her attorneys declined to comment after the arraignment.