Milwaukee Judge Hannah Dugan Resigns After Felony Obstruction Conviction

Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Hannah Dugan resigned on January 3, 2026, following a December 19 conviction for felony obstruction of a federal proceeding. The charges stemmed from an April 18, 2025, incident at the Milwaukee County courthouse, where Dugan helped Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, a Mexican national, evade arrest by agents from Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the FBI, and the DEA. Prosecutors proved that Dugan distracted federal agents and escorted Flores-Ruiz through a non-public jury door to avoid his capture. Flores-Ruiz was later apprehended after a foot chase and deported in November.

Following the conviction, Republican lawmakers, including Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, prepared impeachment proceedings. In her resignation letter to Governor Tony Evers, Dugan argued that the federal proceedings were "unprecedented" and threatened the independence of the judiciary, stating that citizens deserved a judge on the bench rather than a "partisan fight in the state legislature."

Dugan had been suspended by the Wisconsin Supreme Court since the spring of 2025. While she faces up to five years in prison, her attorneys have filed a motion to set aside the conviction, and she is currently appealing the verdict. The Wisconsin Department of Employee Trust Funds indicated that Dugan will likely retain her state pension, as state law generally does not require forfeiture of benefits due to criminal charges. Governor Evers confirmed receipt of the resignation and intends to fill the vacancy immediately.