A Wisconsin judge has been convicted of obstruction after a jury found she helped a Mexican immigrant evade federal immigration agents. Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan was arrested by the FBI in April amid President Donald Trump's immigration crackdown.
The jury deliberated for six hours before acquitting Dugan on a concealment charge but convicting her on the obstruction felony. She faces up to five years in prison, though a sentencing date has not been set and an appeal is expected.
Prosecutors said Dugan misled agents who were attempting to arrest Eduardo Flores Ruiz at her courthouse. According to court filings, she told agents their administrative warrant was insufficient and directed them to the chief judge's office, then led Flores Ruiz out through a private door. He was later arrested after a foot chase.
Dugan's defence argued she was following courthouse protocols and did not intend to obstruct. US Attorney Brad Schimel denied the case was political, saying it was about 'a single bad day in a public courthouse'. Dugan has been suspended from her judicial role.
