Milwaukee ICE Arrests Eduardo Flores-Ruiz After Controversial Pre-Trial Hearing and Judge’s Interference
Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, 30, was arrested by ICE agents following his pre-trial hearing before Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan in a case that has sparked national controversy. Flores-Ruiz, a Mexican national facing multiple misdemeanor battery and domestic abuse charges, was targeted in a federal immigration enforcement operation at the Milwaukee County Courthouse.
The Incident at the Courthouse
On April 18, 2025, during Flores-Ruiz’s pre-trial hearing, ICE agents, assisted by FBI law enforcement, attempted to arrest him based on his status as an undocumented immigrant who had been previously deported and unlawfully reentered the United States. However, Judge Hannah Dugan allegedly obstructed the arrest by misleading federal agents and directing Flores-Ruiz and his attorney to exit through a restricted area of the courthouse, allowing him to evade immediate capture.
Witnesses reported that Judge Dugan became visibly upset upon learning about the ICE operation, called the situation “absurd,” and confronted federal agents in the courthouse corridors. Despite her efforts to shield Flores-Ruiz, federal agents eventually located and arrested him outside the courthouse after he fled.
Charges and Legal Proceedings
Flores-Ruiz faces misdemeanor charges related to a March 12 incident involving battery and domestic abuse during a dispute over loud music. He has not yet entered a plea to federal charges connected to his attempt to evade arrest and is currently detained. His next court appearance is scheduled for a plea hearing on May 8, 2025.
Judge Hannah Dugan’s Arrest and Fallout
In a dramatic turn, Judge Dugan herself was arrested by the FBI and charged with obstruction of justice and concealing an individual to prevent arrest. Her actions have drawn sharp criticism from federal officials, who say her interference endangered public safety and undermined immigration enforcement efforts.
National Attention and Political Reactions
The case has become a flashpoint in the ongoing debate over immigration enforcement and judicial independence. Federal officials have emphasized their commitment to enforcing immigration laws and holding accountable anyone who obstructs justice, while local officials and community members have expressed concern over the aggressive federal tactics.
The arrest of Eduardo Flores-Ruiz and the subsequent federal charges against Judge Dugan highlight tensions between local courts and federal immigration authorities. As the legal battles unfold, this case remains a high-profile example of the complex intersection of criminal justice and immigration enforcement in the United States.