FBI Director Shares Arrest of Wisconsin Judge for Obstruction
In a dramatic turn of events, FBI Director Kash Patel took to social media on Friday night to announce the arrest of Milwaukee County Judge Hannah Dugan, a move that has sent ripples through the legal community. The judge faces charges of obstructing an immigration arrest last week, where she allegedly assisted an illegal alien involved in a domestic violence case evade capture by ICE agents. Patel’s caption on the accompanying photo proclaimed, “No one is above the law,” a statement that seems to echo the ongoing national debate over immigration enforcement and judicial responsibilities.
No one is above the law pic.twitter.com/TSrQ4GNMdA
— FBI Director Kash Patel (@FBIDirectorKash) April 26, 2025
Earlier on Friday, Patel shared, then quickly deleted and reposted, a statement detailing Judge Dugan’s arrest:
Breaking: The FBI has arrested Judge Hannah Dugan from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on charges of obstruction after evidence emerged showing her interference in an immigration arrest operation last week.
We believe Judge Dugan intentionally misdirected federal agents away from the target of the arrest in her courtroom, Eduardo Flores Ruiz, allowing this individual—an illegal alien—to evade capture.
Fortunately, our agents pursued him on foot, and he has been in custody since, but the Judge’s actions posed a heightened risk to public safety.
More updates will follow. Kudos to @FBIMilwaukee for their excellent work.
Just NOW, the FBI arrested Judge Hannah Dugan out of Milwaukee, Wisconsin on charges of obstruction — after evidence of Judge Dugan obstructing an immigration arrest operation last week.
We believe Judge Dugan intentionally misdirected federal agents away from the subject to be…
— FBI Director Kash Patel (@FBIDirectorKash) April 25, 2025
Reports from ‘s Cristina Laila uncovered the shocking circumstances surrounding Dugan’s alleged actions during a court appearance on April 18 involving Eduardo Flores Ruiz, a previously deported Mexican national. Following a foot chase, Flores Ruiz was apprehended outside the courthouse, allegedly with assistance from Judge Dugan.
Judge Dugan was taken into custody on Friday morning within her own courthouse and later released, with a scheduled federal court date set for May 15. She faces two felony charges: “obstructing and impeding a proceeding before a department or agency of the United States” and “concealing an individual to prevent his discovery and arrest.”
Footage from WISN-TV reporter Matt Smith captures Judge Dugan hastily retreating towards a chauffeur-driven SUV after her initial federal court appearance.
New video from our crews: Milwaukee County Judge Hannah Dugan and her attorney leaving the federal courthouse in Milwaukee and not commenting. The FBI arrested her at the MKE Co Courthouse this morning. She’s charged with 2 felonies for obstructing an ICE arrest last week pic.twitter.com/3YtgsNHTJl
— Matt Smith (@mattsmith_news) April 25, 2025
Tricia McLaughlin, Assistant Secretary for the Department of Homeland Security, did not hold back in her assessment of Judge Dugan’s actions, sharing a photo of Flores Ruiz alongside her remarks:
This is the criminal illegal alien that the Milwaukee Circuit judge attempted to shield from justice. He has a long list of violent charges, including strangulation, suffocation, battery, and domestic abuse. Ruiz has illegally entered the U.S. twice.
Since President Trump took office, activist judges have sought to obstruct the mandate to ensure safety and security for Americans—yet this judge’s effort to protect an accused violent criminal illegal alien is both shocking and disgraceful.
We are grateful to our partners at the FBI for helping to remove this accused criminal from our streets.
If you are here illegally and break the law, we will pursue, arrest, and prosecute you. That’s a commitment.
This is the criminal illegal alien that the Milwaukee Circuit judge attempted to shield from justice. He has a laundry list of violent criminal charges including strangulation and suffocation, battery, and domestic abuse. Ruiz illegally entered the US twice.
Since President… https://t.co/4HvDtC9XPc pic.twitter.com/To5yzuShos
— Tricia McLaughlin (@TriciaOhio) April 25, 2025
Judge Dugan has been a staple of the Milwaukee County Circuit Court since her election in 2016, successfully gaining reelection in 2022 for a second six-year term, as noted by Ballotpedia.
