Wisconsin Judge Hannah Dugan Quits After Blocking ICE
Milwaukee County Judge Hannah Dugan stepped down after a federal jury convicted her of obstructing ICE, ending a once-promising judicial career.
The Fall of a Milwaukee Jurist
Milwaukee—The gavel that once rapped inside the Milwaukee County Courthouse fell silent Monday when Judge Hannah Dugan, 54, tendered her resignation after a federal jury found her guilty of obstructing immigration agents.
From Bench to Conviction
Dugan, first elected in 2016 on a reform-minded platform, was accused of tipping off a defendant—an undocumented immigrant facing deportation—so he could slip out a side door before U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers arrived. Prosecutors said she then lied to investigators about the incident.
“No one is above the law, not even a judge,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen Patel told jurors during closing arguments.
After a four-day trial, the jury deliberated less than three hours before returning a guilty verdict on one felony count of obstruction. Dugan faces up to 10 years in prison at her sentencing in September.
Resignation Effective Immediately
Wisconsin law requires any judge convicted of a felony to forfeit office. Dugan’s resignation letter, delivered to Governor Rebecca Kleefisch’s office Monday morning, was a single sentence: “I hereby resign my judicial office, effective immediately.”
- Dugan’s annual salary of $152,000 ceased the moment the verdict was read.
- Her seat will be filled by appointment until a special election next April.
Shock Waves Through the Courthouse
Colleagues described a somber mood in the judges’ chambers. “It’s heartbreaking,” said Chief Judge Mary Triggiano. “We trusted her to uphold the law, not subvert it.”
Defense attorneys who practiced before Dugan expressed mixed feelings. “She was fair but prickly,” said longtime public defender Ramon Martinez. “Still, nobody saw this coming.”
What Happens Next
Dugan remains free on bond pending sentencing. Federal guidelines suggest a prison term of 24 to 30 months, though her lack of prior criminal record could reduce that. She also faces a formal misconduct complaint filed by the Wisconsin Judicial Commission, which could strip her of her law license.