A federal jury has charged Wisconsin Judge Hannah Dugan with allegations of unlawfully aiding immigrants residing in the country in order to evade immigration officials aiming to arrest them.
The Milwaukee County Circuit Court judge faces accusations of “intentionally” concealing immigrants. It’s alleged that she claimed that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) required a warrant to initiate searches. Furthermore, she reportedly guided immigrants and their lawyers to use “unlisted” judges’ doors to elude immigration authorities.
If convicted on the two charges outlined in the indictment, Dugan could face a maximum sentence of six years in prison.
“Following her arrest, Judge Dugan has asserted her innocence and is eager to demonstrate this in court,” stated Craig Mustantouno, her attorney, in a message to NBC News.
Dugan was arrested in late April as part of an investigation into whether Eduardo Flores Lewis aided individuals in avoiding detention by officials from the Trump administration. She faces charges related to obstructing justice and concealing someone to prevent their arrest. Dugan was later released on bond.
Shortly thereafter, the Wisconsin Supreme Court temporarily suspended her, indicating that “it serves the public interest for her to be temporarily relieved of her official duties.”
Flores Lewis, a Mexican national, was arrested while appearing in Dugan’s courtroom on charges of three misdemeanor batteries.
When officials arrived at the court with a warrant on April 18, Dugan allegedly stated they needed additional information and should contact the Chief Judge before they could carry out the arrest, according to court documents.
“Judge Dugan was visibly upset, describing the circumstance as ‘absurd’ before leaving the bench and walking into another room,” the FBI’s affidavit noted. “Flores Lewis was seated in the courtroom gallery at that moment.”
This case serves as a notable instance of the Trump administration’s confrontations with the judiciary in the early months of its term, particularly focused on its aggressive immigration enforcement strategies.
