A federal court has ruled that Wisconsin Judge Hannah Dugan cannot avoid criminal prosecution for allegedly helping an undocumented man steer clear of immigration agents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
U.S. District Judge Lynn Adelman rejected Dugan\u2019s effort to have her case dismissed, concluding that while judges are generally shielded from civil lawsuits for their judicial actions, that protection does not extend to criminal charges. Dugan\u2019s claims that the prosecution violated judicial independence and state authority were also denied.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The case stems from a January incident in which prosecutors say Dugan directed Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, who had pending misdemeanor domestic abuse charges, to exit her Milwaukee courtroom through a restricted door after learning that ICE officers were present. Flores-Ruiz was later taken into custody outside the courthouse following a short chase.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dugan has entered a not-guilty plea to one felony count of obstruction and a misdemeanor charge of concealing a person to prevent arrest. If convicted, she could face up to six years in prison along with substantial fines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Her trial is scheduled to move forward this fall, with a hearing set for September 3. The Wisconsin Supreme Court had already suspended her from judicial duties earlier this year as the case proceeded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The prosecution has sparked sharp debate: critics argue it could discourage judges from acting independently in sensitive cases, while supporters insist accountability is essential, especially when federal immigration enforcement is involved.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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