Notice posted to Milwaukee judge’s courtroom door for anyone who ‘feels unsafe’

Milwaukee Judge Hannah Dugan Arrested for Allegedly Assisting Illegal Immigrant in Evading ICE

Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Hannah Dugan was arrested on Friday for allegedly aiding an illegal immigrant, Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, in evading ICE agents by hiding him in her jury room. The incident took place after Flores-Ruiz’s scheduled court appearance before Judge Dugan on April 18, where he faced three misdemeanor battery charges for assaulting two individuals.

The arrest of Judge Dugan came after evidence surfaced indicating that she had shielded Flores-Ruiz from federal agents, including ICE, FBI, CBP, and DEA. According to a criminal complaint, Dugan demanded that the officers proceed to the chief judge’s office and then escorted Flores-Ruiz and his attorney out a restricted jury door to help him avoid arrest.

The notice posted on Judge Dugan’s courtroom door, dated April 14, four days before the incident, states, “ATTENTION – IF ANY ATTORNEY, WITNESS COORDINATOR, OR OTHER COURT OFFICIAL KNOWS OR BELIEVES THAT A PERSON FEELS UNSAFE COMING TO THE COURTHOUSE TO COURTROOM 615, PLEASE NOTIFY THE BRANCH 31 CLERK TO REQUEST COURT APPEARANCE VIA ZOOM.” This notice raises questions about the circumstances leading up to the arrest and the safety protocols in place at the courthouse.

Judge Dugan was charged with obstruction of an official proceeding and concealing an individual to prevent discovery and arrest. She was taken into custody by the FBI on the courthouse grounds and appeared briefly in federal court in Milwaukee before being released. Currently, a reserve judge is overseeing Dugan’s cases while her own legal proceedings unfold.

The arrest of Judge Dugan has sparked controversy and criticism, with some Democrats pointing out the irony of her actions given previous statements about upholding the law. The case highlights the complexities surrounding immigration enforcement and the role of judicial officials in such matters.

As the investigation into Judge Dugan’s actions continues, it remains to be seen how this incident will impact the legal community in Milwaukee and beyond. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.

Sources: Fox News, Milwaukee Independent via AP, Associated Press.