Federal Charges: Ex-Judges Accused of Assisting Illegal Immigrants

Federal charges against two former judges from New Mexico and Wisconsin reveal the complexities of judicial boundaries and immigration law enforcement.

Key Takeaways

Wisconsin Judge Hannah Dugan allegedly helped an illegal immigrant, Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, escape ICE agents.
New Mexico’s Jose Cano and his wife face charges for harboring a gang-affiliated suspect from Venezuela.
These cases highlight tensions between the judiciary and immigration enforcement policies under the Trump administration.
Both judges face substantial prison sentences if convicted, reflecting the severity of the charges.

Cases of Alleged Judicial Overreach

Jose Cano, a former judge in New Mexico, alongside his wife Nancy, is accused of harboring a Venezuelan suspect linked to the Tren de Aragua gang and attempting to destroy evidence against him. If convicted, they could face up to 20 years behind bars.

Meanwhile, in Wisconsin, Judge Hannah Dugan has been charged with obstructing justice by aiding Mexican national Eduardo Flores-Ruiz in fleeing ICE custody during a courthouse appearance. Dugan facilitated his escape through a restricted exit, as claimed by federal authorities.

Developing: Federal agents have arrested Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan on charges of obstruction, alleging she helped an illegal immigrant evade detention.

In an announcement on a since-deleted social media post, FBI Director Kash Patel said, “Just NOW, the FBI… pic.twitter.com/hA0mShCiuv

— Real News No Bullshit (@NewsNotBs) April 25, 2025

Escalating Tensions and Responses

Federal agents, holding a warrant for Flores-Ruiz, reported being misdirected, allowing him to evade capture temporarily. Dugan subsequently faces up to 10 years in prison for obstruction of justice and concealing Flores-Ruiz’s whereabouts during his pre-trial hearing, where he was wanted for illegal entry and prior deportation.

The comprehensive nature of these legal battles represents increasing efforts by the Trump administration to prosecute perceived wrongdoing by officials suspected of aiding illegal immigrants. Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson criticized what he deemed “showboating” federal responses, expressing concern for public trust in the judiciary.

Legal Implications and Public Reaction

Dugan’s legal career, having spanned numerous roles prior, now faces scrutiny as she protests her arrest. Tensions between local jurisdictions enforcing the federal deportation agenda continue, reflecting a complicated judicial landscape increasingly pressured by national policies and media scrutiny.

As the federal cases unravel, the legal community and public closely monitor outcomes, which may set precedents in judicial accountability and enforcement policy. The arrests triggered protests, drawing criticism over perceived politicization within the judicial process.