Restoring concerned Americans’ faith in the legal system, the Wisconsin Supreme Court has resoundingly acted against state Judge Hannah Dugan.
The Milwaukee County Circuit Court judge has been temporarily stripped of her judicial powers amid alarming accusations.
Specifically, she obstructed federal authorities by escorting a wanted illegal alien through a restricted door.
FBI agents arrested Dugan at the courthouse, marking a rare and stunning example of judicial activism interfering with immigration enforcement.
The Wisconsin Supreme Court acted swiftly, issuing an administrative order temporarily relieving Judge Dugan of her official duties.
This decisive action came after Dugan was charged with obstruction of a federal proceeding, a felony, and concealing an individual, a misdemeanor.
These two charges could ultimately land her in prison for up to six years if convicted.
The incident that led to Dugan’s arrest occurred when Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents attempted to detain Eduardo Flores-Ruiz.
Flores-Ruiz is a previously deported illegal alien who was in Dugan’s courtroom.
According to reports, Dugan confronted the federal agents and escorted Flores-Ruiz out through a restricted door, actively helping him evade arrest.
Flores-Ruiz was wanted on three misdemeanor battery charges and had previously been deported in 2013.
Court records indicate he allegedly beat two people so severely that they required hospital treatment.
Despite these serious charges, Judge Dugan apparently prioritized protecting the illegal alien over public safety and the rule of law.
FBI Director Kash Patel did not mince words about the judge’s alleged actions.
He stated, “Thankfully our agents chased down the perp on foot and he’s been in custody since, but the Judge’s obstruction created increased danger to the public.”
US Attorney General Pam Bondi expressed shock at Dugan’s behavior, saying, “We could not believe that a judge really did that.”
“You cannot obstruct a criminal case. And really, shame on her. It was a domestic violence case of all cases, and she’s protecting a criminal defendant over victims of crime,” Bondi added.
The Wisconsin Supreme Court made clear its reasoning for suspending Dugan:
“In the exercise of that constitutional authority and in order to uphold the public’s confidence in the courts of this state during the pendency of the criminal proceeding against Judge Dugan, we conclude, on our own motion, that it is in the public interest that she be temporarily relieved of her official duties.”
Dugan’s legal team continues to claim her innocence, saying, “The Court acted in unilateral fashion. We continue to assert Judge Dugan’s innocence and look forward to her vindication in court.”
They continued, adding that she would defend herself “vigorously and looks forward to being exonerated.”
Her attorney, Craig Mastantuono, further claimed, “Judge Dugan wholeheartedly regrets and protests her arrest. It was not made in the interest of public safety.”
The Trump administration characterized Dugan’s actions as “intentionally misdirecting federal agents,” calling her behavior “shocking and shameful.”
Dugan has been released on her own recognizance and is expected to appear in federal court on May 15 to face the charges.
Meanwhile, her caseload will be covered by other judges as the Wisconsin judicial system attempts to maintain public confidence in the courts despite this unprecedented breach of judicial ethics.
