When Law Meets Controversy: Discover Why Judge Hannah Dugan Resigned Amid a Felony ICE Obstruction Case
January 7, 2026 – Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Hannah Dugan resignation – Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Hannah Dugan has officially resigned from the bench following her December 2025 federal felony conviction for obstructing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents.
The 66-year-old judge, who served nine years, submitted her resignation to Governor Tony Evers on January 3, 2026, amid mounting threats of impeachment by Republican lawmakers.
Dugan, however, vows to continue her legal fight on appeal, arguing that the case challenges judicial independence. This comprehensive post breaks down the incident, trial, conviction, resignation, reactions, and broader implications for the judiciary.
The Incident: April 18, 2025, at Milwaukee County Courthouse
The case arose from a courtroom event involving Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, a 30–31-year-old Mexican national facing misdemeanor battery charges and with prior illegal re-entry history. ICE agents, armed with an administrative warrant, awaited his arrest outside Dugan’s courtroom.
Prosecutors stated that Dugan:
- Learned of ICE’s presence and confronted the agents, questioning their warrant authority.
- Directed them to the chief judge’s office.
- Allowed Flores-Ruiz and his attorney to leave through a private jury door.
- Suggested handling future hearings via Zoom.
Flores-Ruiz was later arrested after a foot chase and subsequently deported. Dugan contended she followed courthouse policy and acted to maintain courtroom safety.
Federal Charges and Trial
Dugan was arrested in April 2025 and federally charged with:
- Felony obstruction of proceedings (18 U.S.C. § 1505)
- Misdemeanor concealing a person from arrest
Her trial in December 2025, presided over by Judge Lynn Adelman, resulted in a split verdict:
- Guilty on felony obstruction
- Not guilty on misdemeanor concealment
Defense argued she adhered to courthouse policy; prosecution claimed deliberate interference endangered officers and the public. Sentencing is pending, with potential prison up to five years, though a light or no-term sentence is likely as a first-time offender.
Hannah Dugan Resignation Letter
On January 3, 2026, Dugan submitted her resignation to Governor Evers:
“As you know, I am the subject of unprecedented federal legal proceedings… which present immense and complex challenges that threaten the independence of our judiciary. I am pursuing this fight for myself and for our independent judiciary. However, the Wisconsin citizens that I cherish deserve to start the year with a judge on the bench… rather than have the fate of that Court rest in a partisan fight in the state legislature.”
The resignation is effective immediately, allowing Evers to appoint a successor.
Impeachment Threats from Wisconsin Republicans
Following her conviction, GOP leaders, including Assembly Speaker Robin Vos and Majority Leader Tyler August, demanded her resignation. Wisconsin law bars convicted felons from holding office, and impeachment was threatened—the first potential judicial impeachment in the state since 1853. Vos praised Dugan’s resignation, calling it “the right thing to do.”
Defense & Appeal Plans
Dugan’s legal team, led by former U.S. Attorney Steven Biskupic, expressed disappointment:
- Highlighted the split verdict as evidence of case weakness
- Filed a motion for a new trial in December 2025
- Vow to continue appeals to clear her name, emphasizing judicial immunity and adherence to courthouse policy
Broader Implications: Judicial Independence vs. Federal Enforcement
The Hannah Dugan resignation case underscores ongoing tensions between:
- Courtroom authority and federal immigration enforcement
- Judicial discretion in handling immigrant cases
- Potential chilling effect on judges who protect due process
Supporters say Dugan defended courtroom safety and fairness; critics argue she obstructed lawful arrest. Dugan, elected in 2016 and former head of Catholic Charities Refugee Aid, leaves the bench but continues her legal battle.
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Key Takeaways
- Judge Resigns: Hannah Dugan leaves Milwaukee County Circuit Court immediately.
- Felony Conviction: Guilty of obstructing ICE agents, misdemeanor acquittal.
- Impeachment Threat: Wisconsin Republicans signaled historic action if no resignation.
- Appeal Underway: Legal team plans to challenge conviction.
- Impact: Sets precedent for judicial handling of federal enforcement in courts.
