The Wisconsin State Supreme Court ordered the suspension of a judge on Tuesday (April 29) who stands accused of aiding illegal immigrants in evading immigration authorities’ arrests. The state’s highest court deemed it to be in the public interest to relieve her of her duties when she faced two federal charges.
Hannah Dugan, a judge at the Milwaukee County Circuit Court, was arrested by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) last Friday morning. She is charged with harboring an immigrant to prevent their discovery and arrest by law enforcement officers, and also with obstructing or impeding a legal proceeding.
According to the court order, while criminal proceedings are pending against Dugan, the court’s action is aimed at maintaining public confidence in Wisconsin’s courts. The order explicitly states that the court took proactive measures, rather than in response to any requests, with liberal judges holding a 4-3 majority in the court.
The ruling states, “It is hereby ordered… temporarily halting Hannah C. Dugan, a judge of the Milwaukee County Circuit Court, from exercising the powers of a judge of the Wisconsin Circuit Court, effective from the date of issuance until further orders by this court.”
Dugan’s legal team expressed disappointment in a statement regarding the court’s unilateral action, asserting, “We continue to maintain that Judge Dugan is innocent and look forward to proving her innocence in court.”
A spokesperson for the Wisconsin State Supreme Court mentioned that a backup judge has already begun assuming Dugan’s duties since Monday.
Federal authorities allege that Dugan guided an immigrant and his attorney through a non-public area of her courtroom after learning that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents were in the courthouse seeking to arrest a man named Eduardo Flores-Ruiz. Pursuant to court documents, after a pursuit, law enforcement officers arrested the immigrant outside the courthouse.
Court records indicate that Flores-Ruiz was previously deported in 2013 but later reentered the United States illegally.
Sworn testimony described this act as highly unusual, as “only police, jury members, court staff, and defendants in custody escorted by police would use the jury door. Defense attorneys and unincarcerated defendants have never used the jury entrance.”
However, Dugan’s arrest has sparked anger among Democrats, with protesters gathering outside the FBI Milwaukee office last Saturday to demonstrate against her apprehension.
She is scheduled to appear for a hearing on May 15.
(Adapted from Associated Press report)