A Wisconsin judge is facing charges for allegedly helping an undocumented immigrant evade arrest by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Hannah Dugan, who sits on the federal bench, is accused of obstructing justice and concealing an individual from law enforcement after the immigrant was accused of domestic violence.
According to an indictment filed by a federal grand jury, Dugan canceled the immigrant’s court hearing and allowed him to flee the courthouse through a private exit to avoid ICE agents. The indictment further claims that the judge instructed the immigrant’s attorney that the next hearing could be conducted via Zoom, enabling the individual to avoid further in-person appearances.
The charges suggest that Dugan obstructed a legal process by misdirecting ICE agents, who had been stationed in the public hallway to arrest the immigrant. As ICE officers were distracted, the immigrant was reportedly escorted out of the building and allowed to escape.
Dugan is also accused of providing misleading legal advice, telling ICE officers that a judicial warrant was required to arrest the individual. In reality, civil immigration offenses, such as those for which the immigrant was being pursued, do not require judicial warrants for detention or deportation.
The charges against Dugan have sparked a broader debate about the role of judges in immigration enforcement. Her defense team maintains that she is innocent of the accusations.
This case has garnered significant attention due to its potential impact on judicial conduct and the ongoing debate over immigration policies and enforcement.
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