Milwaukee Circuit Court Judge Hannah Dugan, recently found guilty of obstructing federal agents during an attempt to detain an undocumented immigrant, has stepped down from her position.

In a letter addressed to Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers this past Saturday, Dugan expressed her concerns about how the legal proceedings against her could undermine judicial autonomy, pledging to continue contesting the case.

“As you’re aware, I am facing unprecedented federal legal challenges that, while unresolved, pose significant threats to the independence of our judiciary,” Dugan stated. “I am committed to this battle for both myself and the integrity of our judiciary. Nonetheless, the people of Wisconsin deserve a judge actively serving in Milwaukee County Branch 31, rather than being entangled in a politically charged conflict in the state legislature.”

Dugan’s resignation is effective immediately.

Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan is pictured entering the Milwaukee Federal Courthouse on May 15. (Scott Olson/Getty Images)

A 12-person jury found Dugan guilty on Dec. 18 of obstructing federal immigration agents during an attempt to serve a warrant at a courthouse last April.

She was arrested after prosecutors said she helped Eduardo Flores-Ruiz evade plainclothes Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents attempting to serve a warrant. Prosecutors said Dugan directed Flores-Ruiz and his attorney to leave her courtroom through a back door on April 18, 2025, after learning ICE agents were in the building to arrest him.

Dugan pleaded not guilty, and she was acquitted on a lesser misdemeanor charge.

Attorneys for Dugan filed a motion late last month indicating they will seek a new trial.

She faces up to five years in prison on the felony obstruction count. U.S. District Judge Lynn Adelman has not set a sentencing date.

Dugan was suspended by the Wisconsin Supreme Court in April, but continued to collect her roughly $175,000 annual salary while awaiting trial.

Milwaukee Circuit Court Judge Hannah Dugan speaks at a pro-Ukraine rally on Feb. 24, 2025. (Lee Matz/ Milwaukee Independent via AP)

After Dugan’s conviction, Wisconsin Republican leaders said they would initiate the impeachment process if she did not resign from her office immediately.

Wisconsin Assembly Speaker Robin Vos and Assembly Majority Leader Tyler August argued that the state Constitution bars any person convicted of a felony from serving in an “office of trust, profit or honor” unless pardoned.

“Wisconsinites deserve to know their judiciary is impartial and that justice is blind,” they said in a statement last month. “Judge Hannah Dugan is neither, and her privilege of serving the people of Wisconsin has come to an end.”

Following the verdict, Dugan’s defense team said they were prepared to keep fighting to clear her name.

Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan leaves the federal courthouse after a hearing on Thursday, May 15, 2025, in Milwaukee, Wis.   (Lee Matz/Milwaukee Independent via AP)

“While we are disappointed in today’s outcome, the failure of the prosecution to secure convictions on both counts demonstrates the opportunity we have to clear Judge Dugan’s name and show she did nothing wrong in this matter,” Dugan’s defense team said in a statement.

They added, “We have planned for this potential outcome and our defense of Judge Dugan is just beginning. This trial required considerable resources to prepare for and public support for Judge Dugan’s defense fund is critical as we prepare for the next phase of this defense.”