Milwaukee Judge Could Get 6 Years Behind Bars After Indictment for Assisting Immigrant Escape

A federal grand jury has indicted Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Hannah Dugan on charges of obstruction and concealing an individual from arrest, following allegations that she assisted an undocumented immigrant in avoiding federal immigration authorities at the courthouse last month.

Incident Details

According to court documents, the incident occurred on April 18, 2025, when Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents arrived at Judge Dugan’s courtroom to detain a defendant. Upon learning of the agents’ presence, Dugan reportedly became visibly upset, called the situation “absurd,” and left the bench for her chambers. Witnesses stated that Dugan confronted the agents in a public hallway, insisting they needed a judicial warrant, not just an administrative one, to make the arrest-a claim she repeated before involving the courthouse’s chief judge.

After the confrontation, Dugan allegedly prevented the defendant and his attorney from entering the hallway where ICE agents were stationed, instead directing them to exit through a jury door. The agents eventually apprehended the individual outside the courthouse after a brief chase.

Legal Proceedings and Response

Judge Dugan was arrested by the FBI on April 25, 2025, and released on her own recognizance after appearing in federal court. The charges-obstructing or impeding a federal proceeding and concealing an individual to prevent discovery and arrest-carry a potential maximum penalty of six years in prison and up to $350,000 in fines. Dugan is scheduled to enter her plea in court on Thursday.

Dugan’s attorney, Craig Mastantuono, released a statement asserting her innocence and expressing confidence that she will be exonerated in court.

Broader Context and Reactions

The indictment has intensified debate around the role of local officials and the federal government in immigration enforcement. The case has drawn comparisons to a similar prosecution of a Massachusetts judge during the Trump administration, which was ultimately dismissed. Wisconsin’s Supreme Court has temporarily suspended Dugan from her judicial duties pending the outcome of the case, citing the need to maintain public trust in the judiciary.

Attorney General Pam Bondi commented, “If you are harboring a fugitive, we don’t care who you are… we will come after you and we will prosecute you. We will find you”.

This case remains under close scrutiny, with further developments expected as Dugan’s arraignment approaches.

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