In a surprising turn of events, a Wisconsin judge finds herself in legal trouble after allegedly obstructing federal agents. The arrest occurred at a Milwaukee courthouse where the judge is accused of helping an accused illegal immigrant avoid detention.
On Friday, the FBI detained Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan for allegedly assisting Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, a Mexican national, in evading arrest. This incident reportedly took place on April 18 during a pre-trial conference for Flores-Ruiz, who faced charges for multiple misdemeanor battery incidents, including an alleged assault on March 12.
According to a criminal complaint, Judge Dugan allegedly directed Flores-Ruiz and his attorney through a restricted door in the courthouse, allowing them to bypass federal agents poised to arrest him. Witnesses described her demeanor as visibly upset and confrontational.
Flores-Ruiz, who was previously deported in 2013 and re-entered the U.S. illegally, is also accused of assaulting a woman attempting to intervene in the March incident. The alleged actions of Judge Dugan have sparked significant controversy and criticism from law enforcement.
FBI Director Kash Patel accused Dugan of creating a hazardous situation for federal agents. “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,” Patel tweeted after the arrest.
Attorney General Pam Bondi appeared on Fox News to elaborate on the incident, noting, “The Judge learns that ICE was outside to get the guy, because he had been deported in 2013, came back into our country, charged with committing these…” According to Bondi, Dugan’s reaction was to direct the attorney and defendant out of a private exit while visibly upset, leaving prosecutors and victims in the courtroom.
Judge Dugan’s attorney, Craig Mastantuono, stated, “Judge Dugan wholeheartedly regrets and protests her arrest. It was not made in the interest of public safety.” The judge is scheduled to appear in court on May 15.
Interestingly, this arrest comes a day after a former New Mexico judge was charged with harboring an illegal immigrant. Jose “Joel” Cano and his wife were accused of allowing a gang member to live in their guesthouse, highlighting a string of similar legal challenges involving judiciary members.
Jon Brown is a reporter for The Christian Post. Send news tips to [email protected]
This article was originally written by www.christianpost.com
