Milwaukee Circuit Court Judge Hannah Dugan resigned after a Dec. 18 felony conviction for obstructing federal immigration agents who were attempting to arrest an undocumented man at a courthouse. She maintains the prosecution threatens judicial independence and intends to continue legal challenges. Dugan was acquitted on a lesser misdemeanor; the felony carries up to five years in prison and her lawyers plan to seek a new trial. Her resignation takes effect immediately amid threats of impeachment from state Republican leaders.
Wisconsin Judge Hannah Dugan Resigns After Felony Conviction, Vows To Continue Legal Fight
Wisconsin judge convicted of obstructing ICE resigns, vows to keep fighting case
Milwaukee Circuit Court Judge Hannah Dugan has resigned from Branch 31 after a Dec. 18 conviction on a felony obstruction charge for allegedly helping an undocumented man evade federal immigration agents inside a courthouse. In a letter to Gov. Tony Evers, Dugan said the federal prosecution threatens judicial independence and that she will continue to contest the case even as she steps down.
'As you know, I am the subject of unprecedented federal legal proceedings, which are far from concluded but which present immense and complex challenges that threaten the independence of our judiciary,' Dugan wrote. 'I am pursuing this fight for myself and for our independent judiciary.'
Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan walks into the Milwaukee Federal Courthouse on May 15.
The conviction followed a trial in which a 12-person jury found Dugan guilty of obstructing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents who prosecutors say were attempting to serve a warrant on April 18, 2025. Prosecutors allege Dugan directed Eduardo Flores-Ruiz and his attorney to leave her courtroom through a rear door after learning plainclothes ICE officers were in the building. Dugan pleaded not guilty and was acquitted on a lesser misdemeanor charge.
Legal Status and Next Steps
Dugan's attorneys filed a motion late last month indicating they will seek a new trial. The felony obstruction conviction carries a potential sentence of up to five years in prison; U.S. District Judge Lynn Adelman has not scheduled a sentencing date. Dugan was suspended by the Wisconsin Supreme Court in April while the case proceeded, but she continued to receive her roughly $175,000 annual salary during the pretrial period.
Milwaukee Circuit Court Judge Hannah Dugan speaks at a pro-Ukraine rally on Feb. 24, 2025.
Political Reaction
State Republican leaders had urged immediate resignation and warned they would pursue impeachment if she remained in office. Wisconsin Assembly Speaker Robin Vos and Assembly Majority Leader Tyler August cited a provision of the state constitution that bars convicted felons from holding an "office of trust, profit or honor" unless pardoned, asserting that the judiciary must appear impartial.
Defense Statement
Dugan's defense team said it is prepared to continue fighting to clear her name, noting the prosecution failed to secure convictions on all charges and calling for public support for a defense fund to finance appeals and any retrial.
What Happens Next:
- Resignation is expected to take effect immediately, creating a vacancy on the Milwaukee County bench.
- Defense motions for a new trial and possible appeals could prolong legal proceedings.
- State leaders may move to fill the judicial vacancy in the coming weeks; potential impeachment action had been threatened if she did not resign.
This article will be updated as court schedules, filing details, or official statements become available.
Help us improve.
