Undocumented man allegedly helped by Milwaukee judge to evade arrest has been deported

The deportation of Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, the man allegedly assisted by a Minnesota judge in evading arrest at a Milwaukee courthouse, has been confirmed by the Department of Homeland Security. Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Hannah Dugan was arrested in April on charges of obstructing official DHS removal proceedings and knowingly concealing Flores-Ruiz from immigration authorities.

Federal prosecutors claim that Dugan directed federal agents to the chief judge’s office and then helped Flores-Ruiz and his attorney escape through a non-public door in an apparent effort to evade arrest on immigration violations. Flores-Ruiz, a Mexican national, was later arrested and charged with unlawful reentry into the U.S. He recently pleaded guilty to the charge and was sentenced to time served.

ICE carried out his removal on Thursday, citing his violent criminal history which includes charges of strangulation and suffocation, battery, and domestic abuse. DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin commended ICE for removing this criminal from the country, criticizing Dugan’s actions as obstructing justice.

Dugan, who has pleaded not guilty to the charges, is scheduled to stand trial on December 15. Following her arrest, the Wisconsin Supreme Court suspended her from her duties, stating that it was in the public interest to temporarily relieve her of her official responsibilities.

The case highlights the importance of upholding the law and the consequences of obstructing justice. It serves as a reminder of the duty of judges to uphold the law and not impede the legal process.