‘Visibly angry’: Wisconsin judge indicted after allegedly helping Mexican man evade ICE

Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Hannah Dugan is facing federal obstruction charges after she was accused of helping Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, a Mexican citizen, avoid arrest by immigration authorities (ICE). The situation happened on April 18 during a scheduled court hearing for Flores-Ruiz, who was charged with three misdemeanor counts of battery.

A federal grand jury, which is a group of 16 to 23 citizens brought together by a prosecutor to review evidence for possible charges, indicted Judge Dugan on Tuesday. The indictment described the alleged obstruction, saying Judge Dugan purposely redirected immigration agents and helped Flores-Ruiz escape.

The charges against Dugan include obstruction and hiding someone to prevent an arrest, according to the BBC. If convicted, she could face up to six years in prison. She has pleaded not guilty and is waiting for a court hearing.

FBI Director Kash Patel has accused her of misleading immigration agents

Officers from the FBI, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and the Drug Enforcement Agency were at the courthouse, planning to arrest Flores-Ruiz. When Judge Dugan found out the officers were there, she reportedly became “visibly angry,” stepped down from the bench, and went into her private office.

A disagreement broke out in the hallway about the arrest warrant. Judge Dugan then told the officers to go report to the chief judge. While the officers were distracted, she allegedly led Flores-Ruiz and his lawyer through a side door meant for jury members, helping them get away from the officers who were there to make the arrest.

Two agents allegedly saw what happened. Flores-Ruiz, who had been deported from the U.S. in 2013, was caught a few minutes later after a short chase on foot. FBI Director Kash Patel later accused Judge Dugan of deliberately misleading immigration agents and increasing the risk to public safety.

A week later, on April 25, the FBI arrested Judge Dugan on federal obstruction charges. The Wisconsin Supreme Court quickly suspended her from her job as a judge, saying it was necessary to keep the public’s trust in the court system. The suspension will stay in place while the legal case moves forward.

This case has started a heated political debate about whether immigration officials should be allowed in U.S. courthouses. Republicans mostly support the actions taken, arguing that no one should be above the law. On the other hand, Democrats have criticized Judge Dugan’s arrest, with Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers calling it an attack on the judicial system.

The upcoming court proceedings will decide what happens to Judge Dugan. However, there are probably going to be a lot of issues because of the current complicated relationship between law enforcement and the judiciary.