Wisconsin Judge Charged with Aiding Illegal Immigrant Evade ICE, Still Paid

Wisconsin Judge Hannah Dugan, currently suspended amid federal charges for allegedly assisting a violent illegal immigrant evade law enforcement, has received nearly $50,000 in salary since her suspension in April. Dugan’s biweekly pay rate is $6,712, amounting to an annual salary of $174,512, according to the Wisconsin Court System.

The Milwaukee County Circuit Court judge was suspended by the Wisconsin Supreme Court following allegations that she obstructed federal agents attempting to arrest Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, a previously deported illegal immigrant. Dugan is charged with felony obstruction and misdemeanor concealing an individual to prevent arrest. If convicted, she faces up to six years in prison and a $350,000 fine.

Dugan has established a legal defense fund, which raised nearly $140,000 in its first three weeks. The fund aims to cover the costs of her legal representation, which includes high-profile lawyers such as former Solicitor General Paul Clement. The fund’s website claims that the charges against Dugan represent “the prosecution of America’s independent judiciary.”

U.S. Magistrate Nancy Joseph recently recommended that Dugan’s motion to dismiss the charges based on judicial immunity be denied, stating, “It is well-established and undisputed that judges have absolute immunity from civil lawsuits for monetary damages when engaging in judicial acts. This, however, is not a civil case.”

The allegations against Dugan stem from an incident in April when Flores-Ruiz appeared before her on battery charges. According to the criminal complaint, Dugan misdirected federal agents, delaying their apprehension of Flores-Ruiz. The judge allegedly escorted him out of the courtroom through a non-public area, avoiding the federal agents who were present with an administrative warrant.

Following her suspension, Dugan has continued to receive her full salary, a situation that has drawn criticism from some state lawmakers. State Rep. Shae Sortwell, who introduced a bill to freeze the salaries of suspended judges, stated, “Taxpayers should not have to fund an extended vacation for Dugan while paying for reserve judges to fill in for her.”

The Wisconsin Supreme Court placed Dugan on administrative leave in late April, citing the public interest. However, the judge remains on the payroll despite being prohibited from exercising her judicial powers until further notice.

Critics argue that the current system allows suspended judges to continue receiving pay, which they believe is an inappropriate use of taxpayer funds. Sortwell emphasized the need for consistent judicial suspension policies to prevent waste of public resources.

Recently released police body camera footage shows Dugan denying allegations of wrongdoing just days before her arrest. In the footage, she stated, “What I’m worried about is just the whackos that will believe this story, which is not true. I did not hide this migrant in the jury room or in my chambers.”

Dugan’s legal troubles have sparked a broader discussion about judicial accountability and the use of taxpayer money in cases of alleged misconduct. As the legal proceedings continue, the implications for Dugan’s career and the judicial system in Wisconsin remain to be seen.