In a development that is already drawing national attention, FBI Director Kash Patel announced Friday — in a since-deleted social media post — that federal agents arrested Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Hannah Dugan on charges of obstruction. The arrest stems from allegations that Judge Dugan deliberately interfered with an immigration enforcement operation inside her courtroom.
This would be one of the first examples of the FBI, under the Trump Administration, arresting a sitting judge for assisting a migrant evade ICE enforcement. Independent media has never been more important to hold political leaders accountable in pursuit of the truth. My work would not be possible without the backing of readers like you, so please consider subscribing today:
According to Patel’s post, Judge Dugan allegedly misdirected federal agents who were attempting to apprehend Eduardo Flores Ruiz, an undocumented immigrant present at the courthouse. The FBI believes her actions allowed Flores Ruiz to temporarily evade arrest.
Patel stated that both Judge Dugan and Flores Ruiz are now in FBI custody. "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," Patel wrote in his original post.
The FBI director added: "The FBI arrested Judge Hannah Dugan out of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on charges of obstruction — after evidence of Judge Dugan obstructing an immigration arrest operation last week."
Although Patel’s post was quickly deleted, it remains unclear why it was removed. Neither the FBI nor Judge Dugan’s office has publicly commented on the situation. Legal experts say the case could spark a broader debate about the responsibilities of judges when federal agents seek to make arrests inside local courthouses — particularly in immigration-related cases.
This story is developing, and updates are expected as more information becomes available.
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