Former Wisconsin Judge Hannah Dugan Sentenced to $5,000 Fine, Avoids Prison for Obstructing ICE Arrest

Jul 8, 2026

On July 8, 2026, former Wisconsin Judge Hannah Dugan was sentenced to a $5,000 fine but spared prison time for obstructing federal immigration agents in April 2025. Dugan, who resigned in January 2026 amid impeachment threats, had ushered a Mexican defendant out of her courtroom to evade ICE. While prosecutors sought a serious sentence, U.S. District Judge Lynn Adelman cited her law-abiding life. Dugan's defense plans to appeal her felony conviction.

Dugan sentencing outcome

▪On July 8, 2026, U.S. District Judge Lynn Adelman sentenced former Wisconsin Judge Hannah Dugan to no prison time for obstructing federal immigration agents.
▪Federal sentencing guidelines recommended 15 to 21 months in prison for Hannah Dugan's felony obstruction conviction.

Fine imposed on Dugan

▪U.S. District Judge Lynn Adelman ordered former Wisconsin Judge Hannah Dugan to pay a $5,000 fine.
▪A federal jury convicted former Wisconsin Judge Hannah Dugan of felony obstruction of an official proceeding in December 2025.

April 2025 courthouse incident

▪On April 18, 2025, Hannah Dugan led Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, a Mexican citizen facing battery charges, out a private courtroom door to evade immigration agents.
▪Immigration agents arrested Eduardo Flores-Ruiz outside the Milwaukee County courthouse after a foot chase, and deported him in November 2025.

Political responses to case

▪Republican U.S. Representative Tom Tiffany publicly urged authorities to imprison Hannah Dugan and labeled her an activist judge.
▪Hannah Dugan resigned her Milwaukee County circuit judgeship in January 2026 amid impeachment threats from Republican Wisconsin state lawmakers.

Legal responses to case

▪Executive Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard Frohling argued that Hannah Dugan violated her judicial oath and warranted a serious sentence.
▪Defense attorney Jason Luczak announced that Hannah Dugan's legal team will appeal her felony obstruction conviction.

Judicial independence debate

▪In her January 2026 resignation letter, Hannah Dugan stated that her federal prosecution threatened the independence of the judiciary.
▪Hannah Dugan's defense attorneys argued that the Trump administration prosecuted her to force judicial compliance with courthouse immigration arrests.