The Wisconsin judge who allegedly helped an illegal migrant evade immigration authorities pleaded not guilty through her attorney on Thursday.
Milwaukee County Judge Hannah Dugan flashed a smile to the swarm of protesters outside the federal courthouse as they roared in support of the judge, who has become a symbol of resistance against the Trump administration’s immigration policy.
Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan is seen entering the Milwaukee Federal Courthouse on May 15, 2025 in Milwaukee, Wis. Jovanny Hernandez / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
People gather during a demonstration in support of Milwaukee County Judge Hannah Dugan at the Federal Courthouse in Milwaukee on May 15, 2025. Mike De Sisti / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn ImagesDugan’s defense has called on the charges levied against her to be dismissed as they argued that she is entitled to judicial immunity, citing the very case that gave President Trump presidential immunity.
“The problems with this prosecution are legion, but most immediately, the government cannot prosecute Judge Dugan because she is entitled to judicial immunity for her official acts,” the defense wrote in its motion.
“Immunity is not a defense to the prosecution to be determined later by a jury or court; it is an absolute bar to the prosecution at the outset,” they wrote, directly citing the 2023 Trump V. United States case.
The defense also argued that judicial immunity has a long history that goes way back to “at least the early 17th century.”
Dugan, 66, was arrested last month after being accused of obstruction of justice and concealing Mexican national Eduardo Flores-Ruiz from federal law enforcement.
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She is accused of rushing Flores-Ruiz, who is accused of domestic battery, out of her courtroom and encouraging him to use an exit that is not usually available to the public to help him evade immigration agents who were there to bust him.
She has denied wrongdoing in the case.
Former US Solicitor General Paul Clement, who is on Dugan’s legal team, has slammed the prosecution as unprecedented and unconstitutional.
Protesters seen outside the courthouse. Mike De Sisti / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn ImagesDugan’s lawyers have requested a speedy trial during Thursday’s hearing, which lasted only five minutes.
The high-profile arrest led to outcry from Democrats, with protesters lining up outside the courthouse on Thursday in support of Dugan.
The protesters flashed signs that read, “Free Judge Dungan,” as they also criticized the spade of deportations under President Trump.
Dugan’s trial is scheduled to begin on July 21.
The two charges against Dugan carry a maximum penalty of six years in prison and a $350,000 fine.
