All hell has officially broken loose. This latest event has turned the political world upside down.
As a top anti-Trump judge has been indicted after a stunning FBI arrest.
Milwaukee Judge Faces Federal Charges in Immigration Case
A Milwaukee County Circuit Court judge, Hannah Dugan, finds herself at the center of a high-stakes legal battle after her arrest in April for allegedly aiding an undocumented immigrant in evading federal authorities. A federal grand jury indicted Dugan on Tuesday, charging her with concealing a person from arrest and obstructing justice, offenses that could lead to a maximum of six years in prison and fines up to $350,000 if she is convicted.
The charges stem from an incident in April when Dugan, presiding over a case involving Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, a Mexican national facing three misdemeanor battery charges, allegedly “knowingly” helped him avoid Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers.
According to the indictment, Dugan informed federal agents they required a warrant to enter her courtroom and directed them to the chief judge’s office to obtain one. The criminal complaint further alleges that she then escorted Flores-Ruiz out of the courtroom through a side door, allowing him to slip past the agents.
🚨BREAKING: Wisconsin rogue Judge Hannah Dugan indicted by a grand jury for assisting criminal aliens in evading ICE. pic.twitter.com/1gnZxnsmi9
— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) May 13, 2025
Robust Legal Defense
Dugan’s legal team, which according to Law.com is a formidable group led by former U.S. Attorney Steve Biskupic and includes former Bush-era Solicitor General Paul Clemente, swiftly responded by filing a motion to dismiss the case on Wednesday. They argue that Dugan is protected by judicial immunity for actions taken in her official capacity, asserting that “the government has no basis in law to prosecute her.”
Clemente, a seasoned litigator who has argued over 100 cases before the Supreme Court and was once considered for a Supreme Court nomination during Trump’s first term, brings significant firepower to her defense. The team also includes attorneys Craig Mastantuono, Jason Luczak, and Nicole Masnica.
In a statement released Tuesday, Dugan’s lawyers emphasized her lifelong dedication to justice: “Judge Hannah C. Dugan has committed herself to the rule of law and the principles of due process for her entire career as a lawyer and a judge.”
They added that she “asserts her innocence and looks forward to being vindicated in court.” Dugan is set to appear in court on Thursday, where she is expected to plead not guilty.
Political Firestorm
The case has ignited a firestorm of controversy, particularly as the Trump administration intensifies its immigration enforcement efforts. Dugan’s actions have drawn sharp criticism from top officials, including Attorney General Pam Bondi and Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.
In a Tuesday night interview with Fox News, Noem declared, “She will be held accountable for that,” praising the decision to pursue charges.
“That was a great decision, coming forward, to recognize that nobody can facilitate breaking the law,” Noem said, emphasizing that “even judges are held accountable for their actions.”
Looking Ahead
Dugan’s case has not only sparked political debate but also assembled a legal dream team to defend her, highlighting the complexity and significance of the charges. As the courtroom drama unfolds, the nation watches closely, with implications that could resonate far beyond Milwaukee.
Stay tuned to The Federalist Wire.
