Two judges face federal charges after allegedly helping illegal immigrants escape ICE detention, highlighting a growing tension between judicial authority and federal immigration enforcement.
At a Glance
- Wisconsin Judge Hannah Dugan was arrested for allegedly helping a Mexican illegal immigrant evade ICE agents by hiding him in her jury room
- The immigrant, Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, has a history of violent criminal charges including domestic abuse and was previously deported in 2013
- Dugan faces obstruction of justice charges and up to 10 years in prison if convicted
- In a separate case, former New Mexico Judge Jose Cano was arrested for harboring a Venezuelan national linked to the Tren de Aragua gang
- Attorney General Pam Bondi emphasized that “no one is above the law,” warning judges against harboring fugitives
Wisconsin Judge Arrested for Aiding Violent Offender
Judge Hannah Dugan of Milwaukee County faces serious federal charges after allegedly helping Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, an illegal immigrant with multiple violent crime charges, evade ICE agents. The incident occurred following a pre-trial hearing where Flores-Ruiz faced three counts of domestic abuse. Federal agents were present with a warrant for his arrest, but Dugan allegedly misdirected them, allowing Flores-Ruiz to temporarily escape through a restricted courthouse exit.
FBI Director Kash Patel made the case clear: “We believe Judge Dugan intentionally misdirected federal agents away from the subject to be arrested in her courthouse, Eduardo Flores Ruiz, allowing the subject — an illegal alien — to evade arrest.”
Developing: Federal agents have arrested Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan on charges of obstruction, alleging she helped an illegal immigrant evade detention.
In an announcement on a since-deleted social media post, FBI Director Kash Patel said, “Just NOW, the FBI… pic.twitter.com/hA0mShCiuv
— Real News No Bullshit (@NewsNotBs) April 25, 2025
A History of Violence Ignored
Flores-Ruiz’s criminal background makes the judge’s alleged actions particularly troubling. He has what Trump administration officials describe as “a laundry list of violent criminal charges including strangulation and suffocation, battery, and domestic abuse.” Court records show he was previously deported in 2013 but illegally reentered the United States. At the time of the incident, his alleged domestic violence victims were present in the courtroom, watching as the judge reportedly helped their alleged abuser escape.
“This criminal illegal alien has a laundry list of violent criminal charges including strangulation and suffocation, battery, and domestic abuse,” said Tricia McLaughlin, a spokesperson for the administration. “Since President Trump was inaugurated, activist judges have tried to obstruct President Trump and the American people’s mandate to make America safe and secure our homeland— but this judge’s actions to shield an accused violent criminal illegal alien from justice is shocking and shameful.”
Flores-Ruiz was later apprehended after a brief foot chase and is now in ICE custody. If convicted, Dugan faces up to 10 years in prison for obstruction of justice. Her attorney stated that she “wholeheartedly regrets and protests her arrest,” claiming it “was not made in the interest of public safety.”
New Mexico Judge Charged in Gang Member Case
In a parallel case highlighting judicial overreach, former New Mexico Judge Jose Cano and his wife Nancy face charges for harboring a Venezuelan national allegedly linked to the notorious Tren de Aragua gang. According to Attorney General Bondi, the gang member had disturbing evidence on his phone. “He also had on his cell phone pictures of two decapitated victims. Two victims, decapitated. Gruesome photos. And he was sending them out,” Bondi revealed.
After authorities discovered the gang member’s presence, the Canos allegedly attempted to destroy evidence. “After smashing the phone with a hammer, Cano walked the pieces to a city dumpster to dispose of it to protect him,” Bondi explained. The couple now faces charges that could result in 20 years imprisonment.
Administration Takes Firm Stance
The Justice Department has made it clear that these arrests represent a broader policy of enforcing immigration laws without exception, even for members of the judiciary. Border czar Tom Homan issued a stern warning: “I have said many times within the past few months, that people can choose to support illegal immigration and not assist ICE in removing criminal illegal aliens from our communities, BUT DON’T CROSS THAT LINE. If you actively impede our enforcement efforts or if you knowingly harbor or conceal illegal aliens from ICE you will be prosecuted. These actions are felonies. More to come.”
“I think some of these judges think they are beyond and above the law, and they are not. And we’re sending a very strong message today. If you are harboring a fugitive, we don’t care who you are,” said Attorney General Pam Bondi during a press briefing about the cases.
The arrests have sparked controversy, with some Democratic officials criticizing the federal response. Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson called the arrest “showboating,” while Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers suggested the administration was targeting judges who don’t rule in its favor. However, State Representative Bob Donovan called for a thorough FBI investigation into Dugan’s actions, supporting the administration’s enforcement approach.
