The trial of a Milwaukee judge accused of helping an immigrant evade federal authorities entered its second day on Tuesday 16 December 2025, with prosecutors focusing on how her alleged actions increased the danger for officers.
Officers Describe Confrontational Courthouse Encounter
Prosecutors are working to portray Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan as having rudely approached federal officers and creating a more perilous environment for them to perform their duties. The highly unusual case stems from an incident in April, where Dugan is charged with obstruction and concealment.
According to the prosecution, after learning that federal authorities were waiting outside her courtroom to arrest Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, Judge Dugan cleared a path for his escape. She allegedly directed the agents to the chief judge's office and then led Flores-Ruiz out of her courtroom through a private door.
Agents Testify to Being Divided and in a 'Bad Spot'
FBI agent Phillip Jackling testified that he was concerned his team was divided when Dugan directed agents to speak with the chief judge. He stated the judge appeared angry when she approached him in the hallway.
Customs and Border Protection Supervisory Officer Joseph Zuraw gave further detail, saying Dugan jerked her thumb over her shoulder and told him to “get out” before directing him to the chief judge's chambers. Zuraw recalled thinking: “This is a bad spot we’re in right now. It’s a bad spot because we don’t have a decent number of officers to safely make an arrest.”
Five of the six arrest team members were in the chief judge's chambers or an adjacent hallway when Flores-Ruiz left the courtroom. The team then had to pursue him outside the courthouse and chase him through traffic, a scenario they testified would have been safer inside the building.
Defence Argues Agents Had Opportunity, Points to Policy
Judge Dugan’s defence team has countered these claims, suggesting agents could have arrested Flores-Ruiz at any point in the hallway and that Dugan should not be blamed for their decision to wait. Defence attorney Steven Biskupic argued in opening statements that the judge had no intention of obstructing agents.
He contended that Dugan was following a draft courthouse policy which instructed court personnel to refer immigration agents seeking to make an arrest to supervisors. Audio played to the jury on Monday captured Dugan telling her court reporter, “I’ll get the heat,” as they discussed who would assist Flores-Ruiz.
Broader Context and Potential Consequences
The case is viewed as an extraordinary consequence of former President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown. Dugan's supporters believe Trump aimed to make an example of her to deter judicial opposition to such arrests.
Flores-Ruiz, who was facing state battery charges and had a hearing before Dugan that morning, was eventually arrested and deported months later. The government's case is expected to run through Thursday. The most serious charge, obstruction, carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison, though federal judges have significant discretion to impose a lower term.
Ahead of the trial, U.S. District Judge Lynn Adelman declined to dismiss the charges, stating there was no firmly established immunity for Judge Dugan in this situation.
