Wisconsin judge accused of helping a man dodge immigration agents seeks donations for attorneys
Share and Follow


MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A Wisconsin judge charged with helping a man illegally evade immigration agents is seeking donations to fund her court defense.

Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan announced Friday that she’s set up a fund to cover the costs of her defense. The fund issued a statement saying that the case against her is an “unprecedented attack on the independent judiciary by the federal government.”

Dugan has hired a group of high-powered lawyers led by former U.S. Attorney Steve Biskupic. She’s looking to tap into anger on the left over the case to help pay them. Dozens of people demonstrated outside Dugan’s arraignment Thursday at the federal courthouse in Milwaukee, demanding she be set free and accusing the Trump administration of going too far.

Federal prosecutors allege Eduardo Flores-Ruiz was in Dugan’s courtroom on April 18 for a hearing in a domestic violence case when Dugan learned immigration agents were in the courthouse looking to arrest him. According to court documents, Flores-Ruiz illegally returned to the U.S. after he was deported in 2013.

Angry that agents were in the courthouse and calling the situation “absurd,” Dugan led Flores-Ruiz out a back door in her courtroom, according to an FBI affidavit. Agents eventually captured him following a foot chase outside the building.

FBI agents arrested Dugan at the county courthouse on April 25. A grand jury on Tuesday indicted her on one count of obstruction and one count of concealing a person to prevent arrest. The charges carry a total maximum sentence of six years in federal prison.

Dugan pleaded not guilty during her arraignment. Her attorneys have filed a motion seeking to dismiss the case, arguing that she was controlling movement in her courtroom in her official capacity as a judge and therefore is immune from prosecution.

The state Supreme Court suspended Dugan following her arrest. A reserve judge has taken over her cases.

The fund statement said that Dugan plans to resume her work as a judge and they won’t accept contributions that could compromise her judicial integrity. She will accept money only from U.S. citizens but won’t take donations from Milwaukee County residents; attorneys who practice in the county; lobbyists; judges; parties with pending matters before any Milwaukee County judge; and county employees. She will accept money they would take money only from U.S. citizens.

Former state Supreme Court Justice Janine Geske will manage the fund.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Democrats could have a slight shot at flipping a US House seat in Utah under a new congressional map

Democrats Might Have a Chance to Win a US House Seat in Utah with New Congressional Boundaries

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Utah’s Republican-led Legislature approved a revised congressional…
Kylie Jenner and Timothee Chalamet are pictured together

Kylie Jenner Spotted with Timothee Chalamet in New Photos

Kylie Jenner and Timothée Chalamet have been pictured together for the first time…
Dolly Parton's sister asks for prayers for her health

Dolly Parton’s Sister Requests Prayers for Her Well-being

IE 11 is not supported. For an optimal experience visit our site…
Air traffic controller shortage causes Chicago O'Hare delays as government shutdown continues

Chicago O’Hare Faces Delays Due to Air Traffic Controller Shortage Amid Ongoing Government Shutdown

CHICAGO (WLS) — The ongoing government shutdown led to flight delays at…
Girl aged 12 seen subway surfing before she and friend met violent end

12-Year-Old Girl Spotted Subway Surfing Before Tragic Accident Claims Her and Friend’s Lives

A young girl from Brooklyn who tragically lost her life while subway…
VIDEO: Dog guides deputy to elderly woman who fell on sidewalk

VIDEO: Dog Leads Officer to Elderly Woman Who Fell on Pavement

“I’m not even his owner. I’m his grandmother,” the woman told the…
Mark Sanchez could face even more serious charges over bloody brawl

Mark Sanchez May Face Additional Charges Following Violent Altercation

Mark Sanchez could potentially receive a prison sentence of up to 16…