MADISON, Wisconsin: A federal grand jury on Tuesday indicted a Wisconsin judge accused of helping a man evade immigration authorities, allowing the case against her to continue.
The arrest of Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan escalated a clash between President Donald Trump’s administration and local authorities over the Republican’s sweeping immigration crackdown. Democrats have accused the Trump administration of trying to make a national example of Dugan to chill judicial opposition to the crackdown.
Prosecutors charged Dugan in April via complaint with concealing an individual to prevent arrest and obstruction. In the federal criminal justice system, prosecutors can initiate charges against a defendant directly by filing a complaint or present evidence to a grand jury and let that body decide whether to issue charges.
A grand jury still reviews charges brought by complaint to determine whether enough probable cause exists to continue the case as a check on prosecutors’ power. If the grand jury determines there’s probable cause, it issues a written statement of the charges known as an indictment. That’s what happened in Dugan’s case.
Her case is similar to one brought during the first Trump administration against a Massachusetts judge, who was accused of helping a man sneak out a courthouse back door to evade a waiting immigration enforcement agent. That case was eventually dismissed.
Prosecutors say Dugan escorted Eduardo Flores-Ruiz and his lawyer out of her courtroom through a back jury door on April 18 after learning that US Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents were in the courthouse seeking his arrest.
According to court documents, Flores-Ruiz illegally reentered the US after being deported in 2013. Online state court records show he was charged with three counts of misdemeanor domestic abuse in Milwaukee County in March. He was in Dugan’s courtroom that morning of April 18 for a hearing.
Court documents suggest Dugan was alerted to the agents’ presence by her clerk, who was informed by an attorney that the agents appeared to be in the hallway. An affidavit says Dugan was visibly angry over the agents’ arrival and called the situation “absurd” before leaving the bench and retreating to her chambers. She and another judge later approached members of the arrest team in the courthouse with what witnesses described as a “confrontational, angry demeanor.”
After a back-and-forth with the agents over the warrant for Flores-Ruiz, Dugan demanded they speak with the chief judge and led them away from the courtroom, according to the affidavit.
She then returned to the courtroom and was heard saying words to the effect of “wait, come with me” and ushered Flores-Ruiz and his attorney out through a back jury door typically used only by deputies, jurors, court staff and in-custody defendants, according to the affidavit. Flores-Ruiz was free on a signature bond in the abuse case at the time, according to online state court records.
Federal agents ultimately captured him outside the courthouse after a foot chase.
The state Supreme Court suspended Dugan from the bench in late April, saying the move was necessary to preserve public confidence in the judiciary. A reserve judge is filling in for her.
Federal grand jury indicts Wisconsin judge in immigration case, allowing charges to continue
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Federal grand jury indicts Wisconsin judge in immigration case, allowing charges to continue
- Prosecutors charged Dugan in April via complaint with concealing an individual to prevent arrest and obstruction
New York declares January Muslim American Heritage Month
JEDDAH: The Muslim Council of Elders welcomed the announcement by the State of New York in the United States designating January as a month to celebrate Islamic heritage, noting that the step reflects a deep appreciation for the civilizational, cultural and humanitarian contributions of Muslims, and their role in enriching societies and promoting the values of diversity and coexistence.
In a statement, the council said the announcement embodies a growing awareness of the importance of recognizing cultural and religious diversity as a source of strength for societies, and contributes to fostering a culture of mutual respect and building bridges of understanding among followers of different religions and cultures.
Accordingly, Gov. Kathy Hochul on Jan. 2 issued the first-ever proclamation declaring January as Muslim American Heritage Month across New York State. She also directed 16 state landmarks to be illuminated in green in observance of the month and in celebration of the heritage and culture of Muslim Americans.
“Home to the largest Muslim American population in the nation, New York is proud to join in this month-long celebration, recognizing the values, faith and traditions of our Muslim American communities,” Hochul said. “New York remains committed to being a beacon of hope, tolerance, and inclusivity that celebrates the diversity of its Muslim American population and protects them from Islamophobia, hate, bias, and harm.”
For the first time in state history, January has been proclaimed Muslim American Heritage Month. The designation recognizes the significant contributions Muslim Americans have made throughout history in fields including the arts, sciences, mathematics, technology, literature, music, medicine and philosophy, and encourages New Yorkers to better appreciate and understand the rich cultures, histories and principles of the Muslim American community.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani said: “While I was proud to be sworn in as our city’s first Muslim mayor yesterday, Muslims have been part of New York for centuries. We have built small businesses, raised our families, pursued every profession, enriched our culture and cuisine, and been a part of what makes our city what it is today. I am grateful for Governor Hochul’s leadership in recognizing these many contributions and ensuring that every January, Muslim New Yorkers can see ourselves reflected and recognized in a city and state that is also our home.”
16 landmarks will be illuminated in green in honor of Muslim American Heritage Month including One World Trade Center, the Gov. Mario M. Cuomo Bridge, Kosciuszko Bridge, the H. Carl McCall SUNY Building, the State Education Building, the Alfred E. Smith State Office Building, Empire State Plaza, the State Fairgrounds Main Gate and Expo Center, the Franklin D. Roosevelt Mid-Hudson Bridge, Grand Central Terminal’s Pershing Square Viaduct, Albany International Airport Gateway, the MTA LIRR East End Gateway at Penn Station, the Fairport Lift Bridge over the Erie Canal, Moynihan Train Hall, the Roosevelt Island Lighthouse and Niagara Falls.
New York City Councilmember Shahana Hanif said: “As the first Muslim woman elected in New York State, I applaud Governor Hochul’s designation of January as Muslim American Heritage Month. My Muslim identity is inseparable from being Brooklyn-born and raised. From Brooklyn to Buffalo, Muslim New Yorkers reflect the extraordinary diversity, resilience, and contributions that define our state. This recognition is more than symbolic—it affirms that New York’s history and future cannot be told without its Muslim communities, and I am proud to be a Muslim New Yorker.”
New York City Councilmember Yusef Salaam said: “For the first time, New York is proclaiming January as Muslim American Heritage Month and lighting state landmarks green to honor the state’s vibrant Muslim community — and I thank the Governor and the many Muslim advocates who fought to make this recognition a reality. This acknowledgment affirms our deep roots and lasting contributions to the fabric of New York.”
Imam Mansoor Rafiq Umar of the Muslim Community of Bethlehem said: “As a Muslim born in the great state of New York, I carry with me the confidence of ‘One nation under God’ to the same tune as passionate believers of all faiths across America. Honoring the heritage of our people is truly a significant statement by our Governor, Kathy Hochul, that we are a part of the fabric of our nation that undergirds the common threads of goodwill. We are blessed to live in a state with balance in recognizing its diverse demographics, and an administration that engages its people without indulging in otherism. To all those honoring Muslim-American Heritage Month, we stand together, green lights a-lit on every monument, saluting our past giants, honoring our present stewards, and lifting the future leaders yet to come.”
Emgage Metro NY Senior Advisor Dr. Debbie Almontaser said: “As a longtime educator and one who believes in diversity, equity and inclusion, I commend and thank Governor Hochul for inaugurating January as Muslim American Heritage Month in the State of New York. This has been a lifetime dream where every Muslim child will feel acknowledged, heard and valued by their government.”
Muslim Public Affairs Council of Western New York inaugural president Dr. Khalid J. Qazi said: “The declaration of Muslim American Heritage Month affirms New York’s enduring commitment to diversity, dignity, and inclusion. It honors the rich history, faith, and profound contributions of generations of Muslim New Yorkers whose leadership, service, and innovation strengthen our communities, enrich the fabric of our state and celebrates our shared humanity.”
