SAT . JUSTICE SERVED: Milwaukee County Judge Hannah Dugan Convicted of Obstructing Federal Immigration Agents
JUSTICE SERVED: Milwaukee County Judge Hannah Dugan Convicted of Obstructing Federal Immigration Agents
A Milwaukee County judge has been found guilty by a jury after a stunning courtroom scandal that sent shockwaves through Wisconsin’s legal community and reignited the national debate over immigration enforcement and judicial ethics.
Judge Hannah Dugan was convicted of obstructing federal immigration agents who were attempting to execute a lawful arrest warrant inside a county courthouse. The verdict follows weeks of testimony revealing how the judge allegedly used her authority to interfere with a federal operation.
Back Door Escape Inside a Courthouse
According to prosecutors, the incident occurred in April, when Judge Dugan learned that ICE agents were inside the courthouse waiting to arrest an illegal immigrant with an outstanding federal warrant. Instead of allowing the arrest to proceed, Dugan allegedly alerted the defendant and his attorney, then helped them exit the building through a restricted back door, effectively allowing the suspect to evade federal custody.
Federal investigators testified that the maneuver delayed the arrest, compromised officer safety, and constituted a direct obstruction of justice.
“This was not a misunderstanding or a momentary lapse,” prosecutors argued. “This was a deliberate act carried out by someone who knew exactly what she was doing — and who held a sworn duty to uphold the law.”
Arrest, Trial, and Guilty Verdict
Judge Dugan was arrested by federal authorities shortly after the incident, marking a rare and dramatic moment in which a sitting county judge was taken into custody. The case quickly drew national attention, with critics accusing the judiciary of shielding political activism under the guise of discretion.
After deliberation, the jury returned a guilty verdict, concluding that Dugan had knowingly interfered with federal immigration enforcement.
Facing Prison Time
Under federal law, obstruction of justice carries serious consequences. Judge Dugan now faces up to five years in prison, along with possible removal from the bench and permanent damage to her legal career.
Sentencing is expected in the coming months.
A Broader Message
Supporters of immigration enforcement hailed the verdict as a long-overdue affirmation that no one is above the law — not even a judge.
“This case sends a clear message,” one federal official said after the verdict. “Courthouses are not sanctuaries for lawlessness, and judicial power cannot be used to undermine federal authority.”
As Judge Hannah Dugan awaits sentencing, the case stands as a stark reminder that justice applies equally — even to those tasked with delivering it.
