A jury on Thursday convicted a Wisconsin judge of obstructing justice by assisting a Mexican immigrant in evading federal authorities, in a win for President Donald Trump’s immigration enforcement efforts. Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan faced charges of obstruction and aiding in preventing an arrest in April. Although acquitted on the latter charge, she could still receive up to five years in prison for obstruction.
The jury deliberated for six hours before delivering the verdict. The sentencing timeline remains uncertain at this point. The case sparked controversy surrounding Trump’s immigration policies, with his administration labeling Dugan as an activist judge. Democrats argued that the prosecution aimed to intimidate judges opposing the administration’s stance.
After the verdict, Dugan and her legal team refrained from addressing reporters and expressed disappointment with the outcome. Despite being suspended from her position amidst the trial, Dugan did not testify during the proceedings. U.S. Attorney Brad Schimel emphasized that the case was not politically motivated and urged a peaceful acceptance of the verdict.
U.S. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche commended the ruling, emphasizing that even judges are subject to the law. The verdict marked a success for the Trump administration, which has faced challenges in prosecuting critics, including former FBI director James Comey and New York State Attorney General Letitia James. Additionally, the administration has encountered resistance in cases where judges deemed U.S. attorney appointments improper.
The incident involved immigration authorities visiting the Milwaukee County courthouse in April to arrest Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, who had reentered the country illegally. Dugan intervened by misleading the agents about their warrant and directing them away, allowing Flores-Ruiz to be led out of the courthouse by his attorney before being apprehended.
Prosecutors argued that Dugan’s actions were intended to aid Flores-Ruiz’s escape. Testimonies and audio recordings from the courtroom were presented to support the prosecution’s case. Despite the defense’s assertion that Dugan was following courthouse protocols, witnesses, including fellow judges, expressed shock at her behavior.
The defense’s presentation was brief, featuring witnesses like Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett, who vouched for Dugan’s integrity. The case highlighted the intersection of judicial responsibilities and immigration enforcement policies, prompting a broader debate on legal and ethical standards within the court system.