A former Milwaukee County judge has been fined $5,000 after being convicted of felony obstruction for her role in helping an undocumented immigrant evade federal authorities from her courtroom. U.S. District Judge Lynn Adelman ruled Wednesday that prison time was not necessary, citing Dugan's dedication to public service and her acknowledgment of her wrongdoing.
Dugan, 67, was found guilty in December by a federal jury for actions taken in April 2025. Prosecutors accused her of intentionally distracting law enforcement officers attempting to arrest Eduardo Flores Ruiz, an immigrant from Mexico, and then escorting him out of the courthouse through a private jury door. Dugan resigned from her judgeship in January.
Flores Ruiz had a scheduled hearing in a state battery case for allegedly assaulting an individual. Federal immigration agents were present to arrest him, but Dugan confronted them, asserting their administrative warrant was insufficient grounds. She then directed them to the office of the chief judge before returning to her courtroom. According to an affidavit, she told Flores Ruiz and his lawyer to "wait, come with me" and led them through the jury door, a route typically used by deputies and in-custody defendants.
Agents subsequently located Flores Ruiz in a corridor, leading to his arrest after a brief foot chase. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced his deportation in November 2025. Dugan's actions were described by prosecutors as an "abuse of trust" and a violation of her oath as a judge, potentially placing law enforcement in danger. Her defense attorneys argued that her resignation and threats to her safety constituted sufficient punishment and that her actions were not malicious.
Dugan stated in court that she aimed to "maintain a courtroom with the decorum and safety the public deserves" and that her actions were "not done with any malicious intent or to advance any personal interest." She described herself as "a public servant who’s just trying to do my job."
Republican lawmakers, including Representative Tom Tiffany, had called for Dugan's impeachment and urged authorities to "lock her up." The Trump administration highlighted her case, labeling her an "activist judge" as part of its broader immigration crackdown. Conversely, immigrant rights activists and Dugan's supporters argued that her prosecution was politically motivated, intended to counter judicial opposition to the administration's immigration policies.
Dugan's legal team had previously sought immunity based on her judicial role, but Judge Adelman rejected these claims. Prosecutors emphasized that while judges have discretion, there is a legal line that cannot be crossed. Dugan's attorneys have stated their intention to file an appeal.
