Wisconsin Judge Resigns Following Felony Conviction Over Immigrant Arrest Interference

Wisconsin Judge Hannah Dugan, recently convicted on felony obstruction charges for interfering with a federal immigration arrest, has formally resigned from her judicial position. The resignation letter was sent to Governor Tony Evers over the weekend, marking the culmination of intense political scrutiny following her December 19 conviction.

Since the verdict, Republican members of the state assembly had been preparing for potential impeachment proceedings against Dugan. However, her resignation renders such action unnecessary. A spokesperson for Governor Evers, who is affiliated with the Democratic Party, confirmed receipt of the letter and stated that the governor intends to move swiftly to fill the vacancy, aiming to stabilize the judicial functions in Milwaukee.

In her resignation letter, Dugan reflected on her decade-long tenure serving in the judiciary. She emphasized her dedication to handling thousands of cases with a focus on dignity, respect, justice, and maintaining courtroom decorum and safety for the public. Despite this, she acknowledged that the ongoing federal legal actions against her impose significant distractions.

"I am currently facing unprecedented federal legal challenges, which remain unresolved and pose serious threats to the independence of our judiciary," Dugan stated. "My choice to continue this legal battle arises not only from personal conviction but also from a desire to protect judicial autonomy."

The federal case against Dugan originated last April when prosecutors accused the judge of deliberately obstructing immigration officers attempting to arrest a Mexican immigrant outside her courtroom in Milwaukee County. The immigrant, Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, was reportedly trying to enter a state battery case hearing before Dugan. According to federal authorities, Dugan diverted agents by directing them to consult Milwaukee County Chief Judge Carl Ashley regarding their administrative warrant, suggesting that their grounds for arrest lacked sufficient legal basis.

Following the agents’ diversion, Dugan personally led Flores-Ruiz and his attorney out through a private jury entrance. Immigration agents eventually located Flores-Ruiz in a corridor and pursued him outside the courthouse, resulting in his arrest after a brief chase. The Department of Homeland Security later announced Flores-Ruiz’s deportation in November.

Republican Assembly Speaker Robin Vos expressed approval of Dugan’s decision to resign, underscoring adherence to constitutional dictates.

"Judge Dugan has done the right thing by stepping down," said Vos, "which aligns with clear constitutional guidance."

From a Democratic perspective, Ann Jacobs, chair of the Wisconsin Elections Commission board, agreed that a permanent judicial appointment is necessary to uphold the stability of Milwaukee’s courts while Dugan’s legal challenges continue.

Jacobs also praised Dugan’s commitment to justice and desire to shield the judiciary from political conflicts surrounding her case, acknowledging the personal difficulty the situation presents for the judge.

This federal prosecution of Judge Dugan garnered attention as part of a broader immigration enforcement campaign, which former President Donald Trump prominently highlighted. Democrats contended that the prosecution served as a warning to judges opposing the administration’s immigration policies.