MADISON, Wis. — Jurors are being selected in the federal trial of Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan, who is accused of helping a Mexican national avoid immigration officers after a court hearing. Prosecutors have charged Dugan with obstruction and concealing an individual to prevent arrest; if convicted on both counts she could face up to six years in prison.
What Prosecutors Allege
According to an FBI affidavit, 31-year-old Eduardo Flores‑Ruiz — who allegedly reentered the United States illegally in 2013 — was due before Dugan on a state battery charge. Federal agents went to the courthouse to arrest him after the hearing. The affidavit says a public defender alerted Dugan’s clerk to the agents’ presence; Dugan then argued with agents over the validity of their warrant, instructed them to consult the chief judge and escorted Flores‑Ruiz and his attorney out a rear jury door into a public corridor. Agents saw Flores‑Ruiz leaving but he briefly eluded them and was captured after a foot chase; the Department of Homeland Security later announced his deportation in November.
Defense Arguments: Immunity and Courthouse Policy
Dugan’s lawyers contend she was acting within her judicial role and therefore is immune from criminal prosecution. They also say she followed a draft county policy circulated about a week earlier that limited immigration arrests in nonpublic courthouse areas and directed court staff to refer agents to a supervisor. Defense filings argue Dugan had "no consciousness of wrongdoing" and was attempting to follow court protocol.
Prosecution Response and Legal Context
Prosecutors maintain the actions went beyond routine case management and amount to obstruction and concealment. Federal guidance issued Jan. 21 allows immigration agents to conduct enforcement actions in or near courthouses when they have reason to believe a target will be present, while encouraging coordination with court security and minimizing courtroom disruption. Presiding Judge Lynn Adelman denied Dugan’s request to dismiss the case on immunity grounds, finding no clearly established judicial immunity that would bar the prosecution.
Jury Selection and Publicity Concerns
Defense attorneys say extensive publicity — and politicized commentary on social media — may have tainted the jury pool. The defense circulated a detailed questionnaire to prospective jurors probing political activity, media consumption and visible political signs or stickers. Both sides have already agreed to strike 44 prospective jurors; an additional group of 40 potential jurors was summoned for follow-up questionnaires and in‑person questioning, with more to be called if needed.
Broader Significance
The case has drawn national attention as part of larger debates over immigration enforcement, courtroom safety and judicial independence. Supporters of Dugan frame the prosecution as politically motivated; administration officials and critics say it underscores a crackdown on so‑called "sanctuary" actions by local officials and judges.
About the Presiding Judge
Judge Lynn Adelman, who declined to dismiss the charges, was appointed to the federal bench by President Bill Clinton in 1997. A Wisconsin native and former state senator, Adelman is known for high‑profile rulings, including a 2014 order striking down Wisconsin’s voter photo ID law (later reinstated by the 7th Circuit). He is now in his mid‑80s.
Case status: Jury selection is underway and the trial is scheduled to begin Monday.
