Wisconsin judge accused of obstructing ICE could face years in prison, DOJ has 'upper hand': former prosecutor
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A Milwaukee, Wisconsin judge could face years in prison for allegedly helping an illegal immigrant evade Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), a former federal prosecutor said.

Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Hannah Dugan, 65, was arrested by the FBI and charged with obstruction of proceedings before a department or agency of the United States on Friday.

She allegedly whisked away a previously-deported illegal immigrant and his attorney from her courthouse in order to stop ICE from arresting him. She was also charged with concealing an individual to prevent discovery and arrest.

“It’s five years if the individual is wanted for a felony, and it’s one year if they’re wanted for a misdemeanor,” attorney Neama Rahmani told Fox News Digital this week. “So it’s five years.”

FBI arrests Wisconsin judge, alleging she obstructed arrest of illegal alien

The FBI arrests a Wisconsin judge who alleged obstructed the arrest of an illegal alien. (Obtained by Fox News)

On April 18, Flores-Ruiz was in Dugan’s courtroom for a pre-trial hearing facing three state charges of misdemeanor domestic battery for allegedly punching a roommate 30 times and hitting a woman inside his residence. 

According to the DOJ, Dugan first confronted federal agents and ordered them to leave the courtroom before Flores-Ruiz’s hearing began. She told them they needed a judicial warrant, and to get one from the Chief Judge’s office. When the agents were no longer in her vicinity, she then canceled Flores-Ruiz’s hearing, despite the fact that his alleged victims were present. 

That is when she allegedly personally escorted Flores-Ruiz through a restricted “jury door” that led to a non-public hallway, through which Flores-Ruiz exited the building. 

jury exit door and court hallway

A photo of the jury exit door that authorities believe Eduardo Flores-Ruiz used to leave the courtroom with help from Dugan. (Fox News)

Federal agents took him into custody after a brief foot chase. 

Ultimately, Rahmani said that Dugan’s arrest sends a clear message. 

“It doesn’t matter if you’re a cartel member, a coyote, local law enforcement, a judge – you can’t do it,” he said. “I mean, the law applies to everyone equally. So I think this is absolutely sending the message. And I understand that people are upset at immigration enforcement and all that, but you can’t break the law, especially if you are tasked with enforcing the law. That is your job as a judge.”

Dugan did not speak during her first court hearing in federal court, but her attorney was defiant. 

Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Hannah Dugan speaking raising her hands

Hannah Dugan, Branch 31, speaks as candidates seeking election to Milwaukee County Circuit Court branches 31, 44 and 45 appeared during a forum at the Milwaukee Bar Association on E. Wells St. in Milwaukee on Tuesday, March 15, 2016. (Mike De Sisti / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)

Fox News confirmed Tuesday that Dugan is not in her courtroom, and the doors to her courtroom are locked. On Wednesday, she was temporarily suspended from her position. 

She has retained the law firm Mastantuono Coffee & Thomas. Former U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin Steven Biskupic, a President George W. Bush appointee, has also joined Dugan’s defense team. So has another former Bush appointee, ex-U.S. Solicitor General Paul Clement. 

“Judge Hannah C. Dugan has committed herself to the rule of law and the principles of due process for her entire career as a lawyer and a judge,” the law firm said on Dugan’s behalf. “She has retained former United States Attorney Steven Biskupic to represent her. Judge Dugan will defend herself vigorously, and looks forward to being exonerated. This will be the extent of any statements or interviews at this time.”

Biskupic and Clement did not return requests for comment. 

Dugan is due back in court on May 15. 

Fox News’ Patrick McGovern and Garrett Tenney contributed to this report. 

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