A Milwaukee County judge now faces potential criminal charges after allegedly trying to help an illegal immigrant escape federal authorities, as the immigrant himself pleads guilty to unlawful entry into the United States.
Key Takeaways
- Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, a Mexican national, has agreed to plead guilty to being in the U.S. illegally, facing up to two years imprisonment and $250,000 in fines
- Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan was arrested for obstruction after allegedly helping Flores-Ruiz evade ICE officers at the courthouse
- Flores-Ruiz first entered the U.S. illegally in January 2013, was deported immediately, but later returned unlawfully
- As part of his plea agreement signed on June 20, Flores-Ruiz has agreed to be deported after serving any prison sentence
- The case highlights growing tensions over sanctuary policies and judicial conduct regarding immigration enforcement
Illegal Immigrant Signs Plea Deal After Judge’s Obstruction Arrest
Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, the illegal immigrant at the center of a controversial case involving a Wisconsin judge, has agreed to plead guilty to entering the United States unlawfully. The plea agreement, signed on June 20 and filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin on June 23, comes with serious consequences. Flores-Ruiz now faces up to two years in federal prison, fines reaching $250,000, and a year of supervised release, followed by mandatory deportation to Mexico.
A Wisconsin judge pleaded not guilty Thursday to charges that she helped a man who is in the country illegally evade U.S. immigration authorities looking to arrest him in her courtroom.https://t.co/IzgK3F586W
— Iowa's News Now (@iowasnewsnow) May 15, 2025
The case gained national attention not just for the immigration violation, but because of the involvement of Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan. Federal authorities arrested Judge Dugan on April 18, 2025, the same day they apprehended Flores-Ruiz at the Milwaukee County Courthouse. Dugan faces obstruction charges after allegedly attempting to help Flores-Ruiz evade Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers who were waiting to arrest him. This entanglement of a sitting judge in an immigration enforcement operation has sparked intense debate about judicial ethics and sanctuary policies.
A History of Illegal Entry and Judicial Interference
Court records reveal that Flores-Ruiz, a Mexican citizen, first entered the United States illegally on January 15, 2013, crossing the border near Arizona. Border Patrol agents apprehended and deported him the following day. However, he subsequently re-entered the country unlawfully at an unknown date and location. This repeated violation forms the basis of the current federal case against him, as unauthorized re-entry after deportation carries significantly harsher penalties than a first-time illegal entry offense.
“The illegal immigrant whom Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan is accused of helping evade arrest has accepted a plea deal in which he admitted to entering the United States illegally,” stated The Epoch Time.
According to federal court documents, Flores-Ruiz has agreed to significant terms as part of his plea deal. The agreement specifies that he “knowingly and voluntarily agrees to be deported and removed from the United States following the completion of any term of imprisonment,” according to court documents.
Judicial Ethics Under Scrutiny
Judge Dugan’s alleged actions have raised serious questions about judicial conduct and the proper role of courts in immigration matters. As an elected county judge, Dugan’s responsibilities center on interpreting and applying the law impartially. The accusations that she actively interfered with federal immigration authorities carrying out their lawful duties have sparked outrage among conservatives and immigration enforcement advocates. Her arrest represents an extraordinary situation where a judge’s alleged personal political views may have interfered with the proper execution of federal immigration law.
The case comes amid President Trump’s renewed focus on immigration enforcement and border security. The administration has emphasized the importance of cooperation between local authorities and federal immigration officials. Judge Dugan’s alleged obstruction directly contradicts this approach, instead appearing to support sanctuary policies that shield illegal immigrants from deportation. As this case progresses through both the federal criminal system for Flores-Ruiz and potential prosecution for Judge Dugan, it highlights the ongoing tensions between federal immigration enforcement and local resistance to such efforts.
