A federal court has filed charges against a Wisconsin Circuit Court judge who was arrested last month for allegedly aiding illegal immigrants in evading federal authorities. Milwaukee County Judge Hannah Dugan was taken into custody on April 25, facing accusations of obstructing an official investigation and concealing an individual to prevent their arrest.
These charges stemmed from testimony regarding Dugan’s alleged attempts to assist an undocumented person during court proceedings. This week, the federal court convened to review the charges, hearing statements, including one from the attorneys representing Eduardo Flores Luis.
The Wisconsin Supreme Court has temporarily suspended Dugan from her judicial responsibilities.
Testimony was also provided by another local judge, Christella Servera, whose court is located adjacent to Dugan’s. The panel is expected to determine whether to indict Dugan before a previously arranged preliminary hearing.
Dugan’s attorney expressed confidence in her defense, claiming she is eager to assert her innocence in court.
She is scheduled to appear back in federal court on May 15 to confront allegations related to federal obstruction and hiding individuals from law enforcement. Dugan is likely to enter a plea during this hearing.
Additionally, she has recently added former Attorney General Bush to her defense team.
According to claims, the FBI apprehended Dugan after she reportedly concealed immigrants who had previously been deported, hindering attempts by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to make arrests.
On April 18, federal agents attempted to detain Flores Luis at scheduled criminal proceedings before Dugan. She allegedly instructed officers to go to the Supreme Court’s office, and after the hearing, guided Flores Luis and his lawyers away from public areas where law enforcement awaited to avoid capture.
Dugan’s attorney described her as deeply remorseful about the situation and insisted that her arrest was unjustified. There has been notable criticism regarding Dugan’s actions, including comments from Attorney General Pam Bondy, who stated that interfering in a criminal case is unacceptable and that Dugan’s actions were particularly egregious given the nature of the case.
Bondy pointed out that Flores Luis had been accused of severe violent crimes, raising concerns over Dugan’s prioritization of protecting the defendant over the victims involved.
