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
Nursery apologizes for alleged antisemitic remark to jobseeker in rejection text message: 'Repugnant'

Nursery Issues Apology After Alleged Antisemitic Comment in Job Rejection Text

Public outrage has been ignited after a young Israeli woman seeking employment…
Ariana Grande looks worlds away from herself in a major throwback snap

Unrecognizable Transformation: Ariana Grande’s Jaw-Dropping Throwback Photo Revealed

Ariana Grande appears almost unrecognizable in a nostalgic snapshot that takes us…
Is your airport affected by FAA service cuts? See the full list

Find Out if Your Local Airport is Impacted by FAA Service Reductions: Check the Complete List Here

A significant wave of flight cancellations is set to begin this Friday…
Kendall Jenner shares sizzling snaps from boozy 30th celebrations

Kendall Jenner’s 30th Birthday Bash: Exclusive Inside Look at Her Glamorous and Boozy Celebration

Kendall Jenner recently set social media abuzz with stunning photos from her…
Alleged housing scheme: Investors say they lost money to Selective Real Estate Investments involving vacant Chicago homes

Investors Claim Losses in Controversial Chicago Real Estate Venture with Empty Homes

In what is becoming a significant concern for residents and authorities alike,…
Influencer Barbara Jankavski, known as 'Human Barbie,' dies at 31

Tragic Passing of Influencer Barbara Jankavski, Known as ‘Human Barbie,’ Shocks Fans at Age 31

Barbara Jankavski, widely recognized as the ‘Human Barbie’ due to her significant…
Manhunt launched for North Carolina man wanted in grandmother's murder, deputy stabbing, arson

Urgent Manhunt: North Carolina Suspect Sought for Shocking Murder, Deputy Stabbing, and Arson Rampage

In a rapidly intensifying search, U.S. Marshals have joined local authorities in…
Escaped monkeys from Mississippi truck crash puts spotlight on NIH-funded Tulane lab

Tragic Twist: Two Monkeys Down, One Still Missing After Shocking Truck Crash

A week after a truck accident in Mississippi, officials have reported that…