Who is Hannah Dugan, the federal judge arrested for allegedly hiding an undocumented immigrant in her house?

Hannah Dugan, a Milwaukee County Circuit Court judge, was arrested by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) on Friday morning, for allegedly hiding an illegal immigrant in her jury room, as per a report.

The judge was charged with obstruction of justice after federal law enforcement agents accused her of assisting an undocumented immigrant in avoiding arrest by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), as per Fox News.

What Happened on April 18?

Judge Dugan's arrest comes after federal agents from ICE, FBI, CBP and DEA had tried to arrest the undocumented male following his scheduled criminal court appearance on April 18, according to Fox News.


According to the report, during the illegal immigrant's hearing on April 18, Judge Dugan had asked officers to go to the chief judge’s office and at that time the undocumented individual left the court building and even the judge left, so the hearing was concluded.

The federal law enforcement officials claim that Judge Dugan on purpose had asked the agents and officers to go to the chief judge’s office so that the illegal immigrant could leave the courtroom and evade arrest, reported Fox News.

Judge Hannah Dugan's Response

Earlier this week, the judge had dismissed the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel's report which said that she had protected the illegal migrant from ICE, as per Fox News. Judge Dugan responded saying, "Nearly every fact regarding the 'tips' in your email is inaccurate," as quoted by Fox News.

Bob Donovan's Comments

State Rep. Bob Donovan said, "I have never seen a more irresponsible act by an officer of the court, let alone a judge, if true. This borders on obstruction of justice and I hope the FBI continues a thorough investigation and, if warranted, prosecution to the fullest extent of the law," quoted Fox News.

Judge Hannah Dugan’s Background

As per Milwaukee Journal Sentinel's report, Judge Dugan was elected to Branch 31 of the Circuit Court in 2016 and ran unopposed in the 2022 election, adding that she primarily oversees cases in its misdemeanour division.

FAQs

Why was Judge Hannah Dugan arrested?
She’s accused of obstructing justice by helping an undocumented immigrant avoid arrest by ICE agents, as per Fox News.

Did the immigrant escape?
According to reports, yes, he left the building before ICE could arrest him.