Judge’s Conviction Stands: Immigration Case and Legal Implications

On Tuesday, a federal judge decided not to overturn the conviction of Hannah Dugan, a former Milwaukee County Circuit Court judge. Dugan was found guilty of obstructing justice by aiding a man to evade immigration officers who aimed to detain him in a courtroom. Her case is an early examination of judicial responses following President Donald Trump’s immigration policies.

U.S. District Judge Lynn Adelman postponed Dugan’s sentencing on June 3 to deliberate on potential overturning arguments. He ruled on Tuesday that Dugan’s conviction would remain intact without setting a new sentencing date.

The court’s decision is wrong,” Dugan’s defense team commented.

Dugan’s attorney contended that her conviction was invalid due to a federal appeals court’s earlier decision in a Virginia case, which found similar ICE actions did not constitute a “pending proceeding.” Dugan’s team argued no such proceeding existed against the immigrant in her courtroom, only an arrest warrant. Prosecutors stated differences between Dugan’s case and the Virginia case, asserting other cases uphold her conviction.

Adelman affirmed that the attempted arrest of Eduardo Flores-Ruiz counted as a “pending proceeding,” noting it was a coordinated operation rather than a random event. Adelman stated, Unlike the FBI, ICE can issue its own warrants and effectuate removal without court involvement. This distinction matters.

Dugan, aged 67, faces up to five years in prison after her December 19 conviction; however, federal guidelines suggest probation due to her lack of criminal history and the nonviolent nature of her crime. She resigned as a judge weeks after her conviction amid impeachment threats from Republican lawmakers.

Dugan was the first Wisconsin state judge tried for obstructing immigration agents. While acquitted of concealing an individual to prevent arrest, she was found guilty of assisting an immigrant pursued by ICE agents. On April 18, 2025, immigration officers visited the Milwaukee County courthouse for a hearing where Flores-Ruiz reappeared following illegal reentry into the U.S. After agents left, Dugan aided Flores-Ruiz through a private door, leading to a pursuit and his arrest outside. Dugan was subsequently arrested by the FBI. Flores-Ruiz was deported in November.