In a high-stakes legal battle that has drawn widespread attention, Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Hannah Dugan confronts serious allegations stemming from her actions in her own courtroom.

According to Fox News, Dugan entered a not guilty plea in federal court on Thursday following her indictment on charges of concealing a person from arrest and obstruction of justice, relating to an incident where she allegedly helped an undocumented immigrant evade Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents.

The case centers around events that unfolded in April when Dugan allegedly assisted Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, an undocumented Mexican national, in avoiding arrest by ICE officers. Flores-Ruiz was scheduled to appear in Dugan's courtroom to face three misdemeanor battery charges when the incident occurred.

Judge's courtroom conduct draws federal scrutiny

Witnesses reported that Dugan displayed visible anger and confrontational behavior during the encounter with federal agents. She reportedly informed ICE officials that they needed a warrant to enter her courtroom, directing them to the chief judge's office while she escorted Flores-Ruiz through a side door.

The judge's legal team filed a motion on Wednesday seeking dismissal of the federal charges. They argue that Dugan's actions fall under judicial immunity, which they claim provides absolute protection for official acts performed in her capacity as a judge.

Dugan's attorneys stated their position in court documents:

The problems with this prosecution are legion, but most immediately, the government cannot prosecute Judge Dugan because she is entitled to judicial immunity for her official acts. Immunity is not a defense to the prosecution to be determined later by a jury or court; it is an absolute bar to the prosecution at the outset.

Public reaction and legal implications

Around 200 protesters gathered outside the Milwaukee federal courthouse on Thursday to show support for Dugan during her court appearance. The demonstration highlighted the divisive nature of immigration enforcement actions within the judicial system.

If convicted on both charges, Dugan could face severe consequences, including up to six years in prison and fines reaching $350,000. The case has been scheduled for trial on July 21, setting the stage for a significant legal showdown.

The arrest of Flores-Ruiz occurred after a foot chase following his escape from the courthouse, adding another layer of complexity to the case against Dugan.

Next steps in the federal prosecution

The FBI's involvement in the case culminated in Dugan's arrest at the courthouse a week after the incident. She was subsequently released from custody pending trial.

The prosecution must now address the motion to dismiss based on judicial immunity claims. This legal challenge could potentially end the case before it reaches trial if the court finds merit in the defense's arguments. The case represents a rare instance of a sitting judge facing federal charges related to immigration enforcement actions within their own courtroom.

Understanding the ongoing legal developments

Judge Hannah Dugan, a Milwaukee County Circuit Court judge, stands accused of helping an undocumented immigrant evade ICE officers during a scheduled court appearance in April. The incident led to a grand jury indictment on federal charges of concealing a person from arrest and obstruction of justice.

Following her not-guilty plea, Dugan's legal team has mounted a defense based on judicial immunity while maintaining her innocence. The case will proceed to trial in July unless the court grants the motion to dismiss, with potential consequences including prison time and substantial fines if she is convicted.