Embattled Wisconsin Judge Resigns Amidst Controversy
Embattled Wisconsin Judge Hannah Dugan, who was convicted of obstruction last month for helping an immigrant evade federal officers, has sent her resignation letter to the governor. The move comes after Republicans had been making plans to impeach her following her December 19 conviction. A spokesperson for Gov. Tony Evers confirmed that his office received Dugan’s letter and that he would work to fill the vacancy without delay.
A Decade of Service and a Commitment to Justice
Dugan, in her resignation letter, reflected on her decade-long service, highlighting her commitment to treating all persons with dignity and respect, acting justly, and maintaining a safe and respectful courtroom. However, she acknowledged that the case against her had become too big of a distraction, posing immense and complex challenges that threatened the independence of the judiciary.
According to Dugan, she is pursuing this fight not only for herself but also for the independence of the judiciary. The case against her began in April when federal prosecutors accused her of distracting federal officers trying to arrest a Mexican immigrant outside her courtroom and leading the man out through a private door. A federal jury subsequently convicted her of felony obstruction.
Political Fallout and Reaction
The case against Dugan was highlighted by President Donald Trump as part of his sweeping immigration crackdown. Democrats argued that the administration was attempting to make an example of Dugan to blunt judicial opposition to the operation. Republican Wisconsin Assembly Speaker Robin Vos praised Dugan’s decision to resign, stating that she had followed the clear direction from the Wisconsin Constitution.
Democrat Ann Jacobs, chair of the Wisconsin Elections Commission board, expressed agreement with Dugan that Milwaukee should have a permanent judge in place while this fight plays out. Jacobs described Dugan as a champion of justice who wanted to remove the judiciary from a political battle over her fate, demonstrating her commitment to her faith and principles.
The Incident and Its Aftermath
The incident that led to Dugan’s conviction occurred on April 18, when immigration officers went to the Milwaukee County courthouse to arrest 31-year-old Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, who had reentered the country illegally and was scheduled to appear before Dugan for a hearing in a state battery case. Dugan confronted the agents outside her courtroom, directing them to the office of her boss, Milwaukee County Chief Judge Carl Ashley, because she believed their administrative warrant was insufficient grounds for arrest.
After the agents left, Dugan led Flores-Ruiz and his attorney out a private jury door. Agents spotted Flores-Ruiz in the corridor, followed him outside, and arrested him after a foot chase. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced in November that he had been deported.
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