A Wisconsin judge accused of helping a man avoid U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents is set to appear in federal court Thursday to enter an initial plea.
Hannah Duggan, a Milwaukee County circuit judge, faces charges of harboring a fugitive and obstruction of justice. Prosecutors say that on April 18, after learning ICE agents were arresting Eduardo Flores-Ruiz on illegal reentry charges, Duggan escorted him and his attorney out of the courtroom through a back door, avoiding the agents. If convicted, Duggan could face up to six years in prison.
Duggan was arrested by the FBI at her courthouse on April 25 and later released. Her arrest has intensified tensions between the Trump administration and Democrats over immigration enforcement policies. The case echoes a similar incident during Trump’s first term involving a Massachusetts judge charged with aiding a man’s escape from ICE agents.
Duggan’s attorneys filed a motion to dismiss, arguing she acted in her official capacity and that federal prosecution infringes on Wisconsin’s sovereignty. Court records show Flores-Ruiz was deported in 2013 and illegally reentered the U.S. He was facing misdemeanor domestic violence charges in Milwaukee in March.
According to court affidavits, Duggan was alerted to ICE agents’ presence near the courtroom and, visibly upset, confronted the arrest team along with another judge. Witnesses describe her behavior as confrontational and angry. She then directed Flores-Ruiz and his lawyer through a restricted door usually reserved for court staff and law enforcement, allowing them to avoid immediate arrest. Flores-Ruiz was later apprehended outside after a foot chase.
Wisconsin’s Supreme Court suspended Duggan last week, citing the need to maintain public confidence in the judiciary.
Former federal prosecutor John Vaudreuil said the Trump administration appears to be making an example of Duggan. He added that decisions on the case are likely being made by the Department of Justice leadership rather than local prosecutors, reducing the chance of a plea deal. Vaudreuil predicted Duggan’s defense might push for a jury trial, knowing the case taps into strong public emotions over immigration enforcement.
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