Hannah Dugan, a Milwaukee County judge known for her advocacy of social justice, was arrested by the FBI for allegedly obstructing federal authorities seeking to detain an undocumented immigrant. The Department of Homeland Security labeled her as an “activist judge.” Following her arrest, Dugan reaffirmed her commitment to the rule of law and due process in a statement.
The criminal complaint alleges that on April 18, Dugan helped Eduardo Flores-Ruiz and his attorney leave her courtroom as U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents arrived to make an arrest. Immigration advocates celebrated her actions, arguing that she was upholding due process. Christine Neumann-Ortiz of Voces de la Frontera stated that Dugan acted on her conscience and defended the rights of others.
Dugan, born in 1959, was first elected to the Milwaukee County Circuit Court in 2016 and re-elected in 2022, presiding mainly over misdemeanor cases. She holds a BA in legal studies from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a law degree from the University of Wisconsin Law School. Her career began at the Legal Aid Society, providing services to low-income individuals, and she later led various initiatives for domestic violence and elder law.
Beyond her judicial role, Dugan has significant experience in nonprofit work, including her tenure as executive director of Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee, which aids refugees. She expressed her belief in the rule of law as essential for addressing social issues. Dugan was released after a court appearance and is scheduled for another hearing on May 15.
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