Newly released video footage has shed light on the federal charges brought against Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan, who is accused of interfering with a lawful immigration arrest that occurred at the courthouse on April 18.
Dugan is facing two federal charges: “obstructing or impeding proceeding before a department or agency of the United States,” and “concealing an individual to prevent his discovery and arrest.”
The charges stem from her alleged involvement in helping an illegal immigrant, Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, avoid immediate apprehension by federal agents.
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The video, obtained through an open records request, allegedly shows Dugan confronting federal agents outside her courtroom and instructing them to speak with the chief judge.
Prosecutors allege she then permitted Flores-Ruiz to exit the courtroom through a secure passage typically reserved for jurors, enabling him to temporarily evade immigration enforcement officers.
The footage continues with Flores-Ruiz emerging into the hallway with his attorney, followed closely by a federal agent.
The agent follows him outside the courthouse, where Flores-Ruiz is ultimately arrested.
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Although the video was released while the case is still active, a move that surprised some observers, officials did not provide a reason for making it available at this stage of the legal proceedings.
Judge Dugan has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Her legal team has filed a motion to dismiss, citing judicial immunity for her actions on the bench.
The case is being overseen by a federal judge appointed during the Clinton administration.
FBI Director Kash Patel weighed in on the case by posting a photo of Flores-Ruiz’s arrest on X, writing that “no one is above the law.”
No one is above the law pic.twitter.com/TSrQ4GNMdA
— FBI Director Kash Patel (@FBIDirectorKash) April 26, 2025
The case has triggered a strong response from Congressional Democrats, who claim the arrest and charges amount to political overreach. Sen. Tina Smith (D-MN) accused President Donald Trump of targeting judges he disagrees with.
Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA) labeled the incident a “constitutional crisis,” and Sen. Ed Markey (D-MA) encouraged Americans to “rise against it.”
Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-MD) called the prosecution an “outrage,” while Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) claimed the case “threatens the rule of law.”
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) went further, stating, “Trump and Bondi can’t just decide to arrest sitting judges at will and threaten judges into submission. This is a dangerous escalation, an attack on the separation of powers, and we will fight this with everything we have.”
There are no kings in America.
Trump and Bondi can’t just decide to arrest sitting judges at will and threaten judges into submission.
This is a dangerous escalation, an attack on the separation of powers, and we will fight this with everything we have.
— Chuck Schumer (@SenSchumer) April 25, 2025
The controversy centers around enforcement of federal immigration law and the legal boundaries for state court judges.
Flores-Ruiz, the individual at the center of the case, is identified by federal authorities as an illegal immigrant with a standing deportation order.
The Trump administration’s Department of Homeland Security has maintained that immigration enforcement actions will be pursued regardless of the location, including courthouses, if necessary.
DHS Secretary Kristi Noem has emphasized that ICE agents will continue to operate with full authority under federal law.
The Biden-Harris administration had previously scaled back enforcement in and around courthouses, but those policies have since been reversed.
With the 2026 election cycle already gaining momentum, immigration policy remains a top-tier issue among voters.
Polling consistently shows that a majority of Americans support stricter enforcement measures and expect elected officials to uphold immigration law.
The backlash to the Democratic response in this case has reignited debate over the party’s stance on illegal immigration and law enforcement accountability.
As the legal process continues, Judge Dugan’s case is expected to remain in the national spotlight.
Her next court appearance has not yet been scheduled.
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