In a dramatic turn of events, a Milwaukee courthouse became the center of a federal investigation when a sitting judge was accused of obstructing justice. This incident has raised important questions about judicial conduct and immigration enforcement, capturing the attention of both the public and law enforcement agencies.
Judge Accused of Hindering Arrest
On a recent Friday, Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan was taken into custody by the FBI. She is accused of sheltering Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, a Mexican national, from federal agents. The incident occurred earlier in April when Flores-Ruiz, who was in the courthouse for a pre-trial conference on battery charges, was allegedly assisted by Judge Dugan to evade arrest. The criminal complaint details how Dugan allegedly guided Flores-Ruiz through a restricted area of the courthouse to avoid ICE agents waiting outside.
Flores-Ruiz, previously deported in 2013, is accused of re-entering the United States illegally and faces charges for multiple assaults, including attacking a woman attempting to break up a fight. Witnesses have reported that Judge Dugan appeared visibly agitated when she learned of the federal officers’ presence and allegedly directed Flores-Ruiz through a nonpublic exit.
Federal Authorities Respond
FBI Director Kash Patel condemned Judge Dugan’s actions, stating, “We believe Judge Dugan intentionally misdirected federal agents away from the subject to be arrested in her courthouse, Eduardo Flores Ruiz, allowing the subject — an illegal alien — to evade arrest.” He further noted the increased risk to public safety caused by the subsequent chase, as noted in his tweet.
The incident is not an isolated one. In recent weeks, ICE has made other arrests in Milwaukee courthouses under similar circumstances, highlighting ongoing tensions between local and federal authorities regarding immigration enforcement.
Reactions and Legal Proceedings
The legal community and public officials have expressed shock at the allegations against Judge Dugan. Attorney General Pam Bondi, speaking on Fox News, described the judge’s behavior as “hard to believe,” recounting how Dugan allegedly facilitated the defendant’s escape while the state prosecutor and victims remained unaware in the courtroom.
Judge Dugan’s attorney, Craig Mastantuono, has publicly stated that the judge “wholeheartedly regrets and protests her arrest,” and emphasized that her actions were not intended to compromise public safety. Dugan’s next court appearance is scheduled for May 15.
The arrest of Judge Dugan follows another high-profile case involving a former judge in New Mexico, who was charged with harboring an illegal immigrant linked to a Venezuelan gang. These incidents underscore the complexities and controversies surrounding immigration law enforcement in the United States.
This article was originally written by www.christianpost.com
