Milwaukee Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan has made headlines after being arrested by the FBI for allegedly helping an illegal immigrant avoid deportation. Dugan, known for her liberal stance, is now being defended by Paul Clement, a former U.S. Solicitor General who served under President George W. Bush.
Clement, an experienced appellate lawyer, has taken a significant role in Dugan’s defense team. He is pushing for the case against her to be dismissed with prejudice, which would prevent the charges from being brought up again in the future. This move is notable given Clement’s conservative background, which includes advocating for various conservative issues throughout his career.
The charges against Dugan stem from accusations that she interfered with an immigration enforcement operation. FBI Director Kash Patel claims that Dugan misled federal agents who were trying to arrest Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, an illegal immigrant facing misdemeanor battery charges. After a court hearing, Dugan allegedly guided Flores-Ruiz and his attorney out through a restricted area, avoiding the agents who were waiting to apprehend him.
The FBI arrested Dugan on a Friday, charging her with hiding Flores-Ruiz from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. Patel emphasized that no one is above the law in this situation. In response to the incident, Tom Homan, a former official under the Trump administration, warned that judges and officials who shelter illegal immigrants could face prosecution.
Following her arrest, the Wisconsin Supreme Court temporarily relieved Dugan of her official duties. She appeared in federal court shortly after her arrest, with her next court date scheduled for May 15.
Clement joins a legal team led by Steve Biskupic, a former U.S. attorney, alongside other attorneys from various law firms. The case has attracted significant attention, highlighting the ongoing tensions surrounding immigration enforcement and judicial conduct in the United States.