On April 18, 2025, a wild scene unfolded at the Milwaukee County Courthouse that led to the dramatic arrest of Judge Hannah Dugan by the FBI just one week later. Accused of helping a violent criminal, Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, slip past ICE agents, Dugan now faces two felony charges that could land her six years in prison. This story has sparked heated debates about judicial conduct and immigration enforcement. Let’s dive into the timeline of this jaw-dropping case and hear from Attorney General Pam Bondi herself.
April 18, 2025: The Courthouse Chaos Begins
The drama kicked off when Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, a 30-year-old Mexican national with a history of violent charges like battery and domestic abuse, appeared in Judge Hannah Dugan’s courtroom for a pretrial hearing. Flores-Ruiz, who illegally re-entered the U.S. after a 2013 deportation, was on ICE’s radar. Six agents from ICE, FBI, and DEA arrived at the courthouse around 8 a.m., armed with an administrative warrant to arrest him post-hearing. They informed the bailiff they’d wait outside to keep things discreet.
But things took a turn when Dugan’s clerk alerted her to the agents’ presence. According to an FBI affidavit, Dugan got “visibly angry,” called the situation “absurd,” and left the bench for her chambers. She then confronted the agents in the hallway, arguing they needed a judicial warrant and directing them to Chief Judge Carl Ashley’s office. While the agents were distracted, Dugan allegedly rushed back, grabbed Flores-Ruiz and his lawyer, and said, “Wait, come with me.” She led them through a jury door—a private exit used by deputies and juries—into a non-public area of the courthouse.
Flores-Ruiz made it to a public hallway, but a DEA agent spotted him. A foot chase ensued outside, ending with his arrest near West State Street. The victims and prosecutor, left in the courtroom, had no idea the case was adjourned. Dugan’s actions set off a firestorm.
April 22–24, 2025: FBI Investigation Heats Up
By April 22, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported that the FBI was investigating Dugan for possible obstruction of justice. ICE, frustrated by the incident, had looped in the FBI, who were already probing similar courthouse arrests in March and April. Witnesses, including Dugan’s deputy and the prosecutor, confirmed she escorted Flores-Ruiz out the jury door, creating a public safety risk.
On April 24, the FBI filed a criminal complaint charging Dugan with obstructing a federal proceeding (18 U.S.C. § 1505) and concealing an individual to prevent arrest (18 U.S.C. § 1071). The charges carry a maximum of six years in prison and $350,000 in fines. The stage was set for a high-profile arrest.
April 25, 2025: FBI Arrests Dugan at the Courthouse
In a scene straight out of a movie, FBI agents arrested Judge Hannah Dugan at 8 a.m. on April 25, 2025, right at the Milwaukee County Courthouse. The U.S. Marshals Service confirmed she was taken into custody on the courthouse grounds, with some reports describing a “performative” show of force involving multiple agents. Dugan appeared in federal court that day before U.S. Magistrate Judge Stephen Dries, wearing a black dress with white flowers—not a jumpsuit. She was released without bond, with a hearing set for May 15.
FBI Director Kash Patel announced the arrest on X, saying Dugan “intentionally misdirected federal agents,” though he briefly deleted the post before reposting. Attorney General Pam Bondi also weighed in, confirming the arrest and slamming Dugan’s actions.
April 6, 2026 Judge Hannah Dugan found guilty of felony obstruction
She is facing up to five years in prison.
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