Hannah Dugan, a Milwaukee County circuit judge, was arrested on Friday morning in her own courtroom, facing serious allegations of obstruction of justice. The charges stem from an April 2022 incident. She is accused of concealing someone to prevent an immigration-related arrest. This shocking incident has understandably brought questions about proper judicial conduct, as well as the general responsibilities of our public officials, to the forefront.
Dugan has been a trailblazing county judge since her victorious election in 2016. Prior to that, she was at the helm of Catholic Charities, where she ran the refugee resettlement programs and other essential services. Her intimate history of nonprofit work and public community service further complicate and darkly deepen the new allegations swirling around her.
Details of the Incident
On April 18, Mr. Flores-Ruiz made his way into Dugan’s courtroom. He was arrested on misdemeanor battery charges related to domestic violence. During this session, immigration officials showed up bent on detaining him. Judge Dugan was clearly upset when he found out they were there. He didn’t waste any time in issuing orders to his new officials to coordinate with the chief judge.
This was a purposeful act by Dugan, who personally ushered Mr. Flores-Ruis out with his counsel. They proceeded through a door marked attorney’s only, into the courthouse’s non-public hallways. It was this very action that resulted in those charges. They range from the serious, such as obstructing a proceeding, to the absurd like hiding an individual to prevent an arrest.
Legal Implications
Dugan’s under prosecution for felony charges that may have severe consequences on her livelihood and career. These implications may preemptively change the entire judicial system in Milwaukee. In fact, obstruction of justice is a felony for “corruptly influencing, obstructing, or impeding” any law enforcement officer or court officer. Keeping an individual from the police only adds to her situation’s complexity. It leaves little doubt that the measure is intended to purposefully impede the operations of immigration enforcement agents.
As legal experts have pointed out, judges aren’t supposed to have that kind of bias because they’re tasked with supporting the law in an impartial manner. If she is convicted, Dugan could receive significant punishments up to and including removal from the bench.
Responses from the Judiciary
Carl Ashley, the chief judge of the Milwaukee court, has refused to speak publicly since the incident. The lack of official statements from the judiciary raises questions about how such cases are handled internally and what measures are in place to ensure accountability among judges.
While investigations continue, members of the community are split on the impact of Dugan’s actions. Supporters view her track record working with vulnerable populations as evidence of her great moral compass. At the same time, some express concern that she will trample on legal niceties due to her office.
