In brief
Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan faces a trial set for December 11 after being charged with obstructing justice by aiding an undocumented immigrant evade arrest. Despite discussions of a plea deal, Judge Adelman emphasized that the trial will begin with jury selection as planned. The case has intensified tensions between federal authorities and local jurisdictions regarding immigration enforcement.
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A federal judge said Wednesday that the trial for Wisconsin judge Hannah Dugan, charged with illegally assisting an immigrant evade federal agents, will continue as planned next month, dismissing talks of a possible plea agreement.
U.S. District Judge Lynn Adelman told prosecutors and attorneys representing Dugan to expect trial proceedings commencing on December 11 with jury selection.
Dugan was charged in April with obstruction and concealing an individual from federal capture, in connection with her handling of a state battery case involving Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, an undocumented immigrant. Court documents reveal that Dugan guided Flores-Ruiz through a private exit to avoid federal agents waiting to arrest him.
Despite escaping capture initially, Flores-Ruiz was ultimately apprehended following a foot pursuit by agents from the Department of Homeland Security, which recently confirmed his deportation.
If convicted on both charges, Dugan faces a potential six-year prison sentence. U.S. Attorney Brad Schimel previously indicated that plea negotiations were underway, but Dugan expressed no interest in a deal.
Her legal team maintains her innocence, asserting she acted within her official capacity as a judge when leading Flores-Ruiz out of the courthouse. The case hangs in the balance with implications that extend beyond Dugan, reflecting heightened tensions between President Trump's administration and local judicial authorities regarding immigration policy.
During the hearing, Judge Adelman emphasized proceedings toward jury logistics instead of potential plea discussions. Dugan's trial will include an extensive list of witnesses, including federal immigration agents and courtroom recordings as evidence.
The courtroom drama surrounding Dugan has drawn media attention, as the Trump administration aims to reinforce its strict immigration stance, positioning Dugan as an example of judicial defiance.
