Wisconsin Supreme Court Suspends Judge Dugan Amid Federal Charges

The Wisconsin Supreme Court has suspended Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan after she was charged by federal prosecutors with obstruction and concealing a person to prevent arrest, stemming from an incident in which she allegedly helped a previously deported immigrant evade ICE agents at a courthouse. According to FBI affidavits, Dugan redirected federal agents and used a restricted exit to help the defendant, Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, avoid apprehension. The Supreme Court's two-page order, issued unilaterally to maintain public confidence in the judiciary, temporarily bars Dugan from her judicial duties, with a reserve judge assigned to her cases. Dugan's legal team maintains her innocence, and her arraignment is scheduled for May 15. The case has drawn attention as the court acted on its own initiative, and legal experts note that, despite eyewitness accounts, proving criminal intent beyond a reasonable doubt may be challenging for prosecutors.