Wisconsin Judge Hannah Dugan has resigned following her felony conviction for helping an undocumented immigrant evade federal arrest. Dugan, who served as a Milwaukee County Circuit Judge, submitted her resignation letter to Governor Tony Evers, expressing her dedication to treating all individuals with dignity and maintaining courtroom decorum during her tenure.
Dugan’s conviction stemmed from an incident on April 18, when she directed Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, an undocumented immigrant, through a side door of her courtroom to avoid arrest by federal agents waiting outside. The agents later apprehended Flores-Ruiz outside the courthouse. The case against Dugan has drawn national attention, with some viewing it as part of the Trump administration’s aggressive immigration enforcement efforts.
Republicans in Wisconsin had been planning to impeach Dugan following her conviction in December. Republican Assembly Speaker Robin Vos praised her decision to resign, stating it was the right course of action. Meanwhile, Dugan’s legal team plans to appeal the conviction, arguing that the case presents challenges to judicial independence.
Dugan emphasized in her resignation letter that Milwaukee County needs a permanent judge, stating, “The Wisconsin citizens that I cherish deserve to start the year with a judge on the bench in Milwaukee County Branch 31.” Her resignation allows the court to move forward without the distraction of her ongoing legal battles.