Federal officials have taken a Wisconsin judge into custody, charging her with obstruction of justice for allegedly assisting an undocumented immigrant in evading arrest.
FBI Director Kash Patel announced the arrest of Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan, accusing her of “intentionally misleading” immigration officers who were attempting to apprehend a Mexican citizen last week.
“Thankfully, our agents managed to capture the individual after a foot pursuit, and he has remained in custody since. However, the judge’s actions unnecessarily increased the risk to public safety,” Patel wrote on X.
During a preliminary court appearance on Friday, Dugan’s lawyer argued that she “vehemently denies the basis for her arrest” and insisted it was not carried out in the interest of public safety.
Reacting to the arrest, Republican Senator Ron Johnson of Wisconsin told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, “It’s vital that everyone cooperates with federal law enforcement. Hindering their efforts not only puts officers in danger but also jeopardizes public safety.”
Judge Dugan originally won her seat on the Milwaukee County Circuit Court in 2016 and was re-elected for another six-year term in 2022. While Wisconsin judicial elections are officially nonpartisan, Dugan received support from Milwaukee’s Democratic mayor during her campaigns.
If convicted, the obstruction charge could lead to a prison sentence of up to five years and a fine of $250,000. Additional concealment-related charges could result in up to one year in prison and a $100,000 fine.
A comparable incident occurred in 2019 during the Trump administration when a Massachusetts judge, Shelley M. Richmond Joseph, was accused of helping an undocumented immigrant escape ICE agents by permitting him to leave through a side door in court. While obstruction charges against Joseph were dismissed in 2022, she continues to face an active ethics investigation.