Drama is set to unfold in Wisconsin’s legal world next month, as Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan faces the music in federal court. The embattled judge stands accused of secretly aiding an undocumented immigrant’s attempted getaway from federal authorities—a charge that’s sending shockwaves through Madison’s halls of justice.
On Wednesday, U.S. District Judge Lynn Adelman made it clear: there’s no backing out now. Despite behind-the-scenes whispers of a plea deal, Adelman told both sides in a tense courtroom hearing to gear up for a showdown beginning December 11, when jury selection kicks off.
The saga dates back to April, when prosecutors say Judge Dugan was about to preside over a state battery case against Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, 31, who was reportedly in the country unlawfully. Federal agents, tipped off about his impending court appearance, rushed to the Milwaukee County Courthouse, ready to make an arrest.
Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan enters the federal courthouse in Milwaukee on May 15, 2025. Dugan is charged with trying to help Eduardo Flores-Ruiz elude federal arrest at the Milwaukee County Courthouse on April 18.
But in a twist worthy of a legal thriller, Dugan allegedly got wind of the agents’ presence and steered Flores-Ruiz through a discreet, judge-only exit. The escape almost worked: Flores-Ruiz made it outside, but was soon caught after a foot chase through the courthouse grounds. Homeland Security officials have since confirmed that Flores-Ruiz has been deported.
All eyes are now on the December trial, with legal observers watching eagerly to see how the explosive allegations against Judge Dugan play out under the spotlight.
