Two separate incidents involving judges in Wisconsin and New Mexico have drawn national attention after both were arrested on charges related to aiding undocumented immigrants.
In Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Judge Hannah Dugan, 65, was arrested and charged with two felony counts for allegedly interfering with a federal immigration operation at the Milwaukee County Courthouse. According to a criminal complaint, Dugan is accused of helping Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, a Mexican national, avoid arrest by U.S. immigration officials during a court appearance related to misdemeanor battery charges. The incident occurred on April 18, when Flores-Ruiz appeared for a pretrial conference.
Reports state that federal agents attempted to apprehend Flores-Ruiz at the courthouse, but he was allegedly directed away from them by Judge Dugan. The agents eventually located and arrested him several blocks away. Federal authorities claim the judge used a private courthouse exit to help the defendant leave, which has since led to charges of obstruction.
In a statement posted online, FBI officials said they had evidence supporting the claim that Judge Dugan had intentionally misdirected law enforcement, thereby hindering an ongoing operation. The incident has sparked debate over the legal limits of judicial discretion in the context of immigration enforcement.
Meanwhile, in New Mexico, former Judge Joel Cano and his wife were arrested on separate charges related to harboring an undocumented immigrant. Authorities allege the couple provided shelter and support to an individual suspected of having ties to the Venezuelan criminal group Tren de Aragua. Federal investigators also reported finding firearms and photographs suggesting the Canos were aware of the individual’s background.
Federal officials stressed that interfering with immigration enforcement or concealing the whereabouts of individuals facing removal proceedings are considered felonies under federal law.
Former immigration enforcement official Tom Homan commented on the cases, saying, “People can disagree with immigration policy, but if someone actively interferes with law enforcement or hides individuals facing immigration charges, they can face serious legal consequences.”
Attorney General Pam Bondi also commented on the Wisconsin incident, stating that Dugan’s actions appeared to go beyond routine courtroom discretion. She described the judge as having escorted the defendant and defense attorney out of the building through a private exit, bypassing standard procedures while others, including victims in the courtroom, remained unaware of the events.
Both cases remain under investigation, and additional details may emerge as proceedings continue. Legal experts note that while judges do have significant authority in the courtroom, they must still operate within the boundaries of state and federal law.
These incidents highlight ongoing tensions between local judicial actions and federal immigration enforcement, raising questions about the balance of power, discretion, and responsibility in sensitive legal matters.
