Wisconsin Judge Resigns Amid Controversy Over Immigration Case

Mon Jan 05 2026 03:21:15 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Judge Hannah Dugan's resignation comes after a conviction for obstruction linked to immigration enforcement, highlighting the tensions between judicial independence and federal immigration policy.

Judge Hannah Dugan has resigned as Wisconsin grapples with legal and political ramifications following her recent obstruction conviction for assisting an immigrant facing deportation. Acknowledging the intense scrutiny and distraction from her duties, Dugan expressed her commitment to an independent judiciary even as Republican lawmakers planned for her impeachment. The controversy reveals broader issues within immigration enforcement strategies and the tensions between the judicial system and federal policy.

Embattled Wisconsin Judge Hannah Dugan, recently convicted of obstruction for facilitating an immigrant's evasion of federal officers, has officially submitted her resignation letter to the governor.

In her letter, Dugan reflected on her decade of judicial service, stating she had managed thousands of cases with dignity and respect, while committing to uphold justice in her courtroom. However, the distraction caused by the legal proceedings against her prompted her decision to step down.

As you know, I am the subject of unprecedented federal legal proceedings, which are far from concluded but which present immense and complex challenges that threaten the independence of our judiciary. I am pursuing this fight for myself and for our independent judiciary, Dugan conveyed in her resignation letter.

Federal authorities accused Dugan of obstructing their operations last April when she intervened as immigration officers attempted to arrest an undocumented Mexican immigrant, Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, outside her courtroom. After leading him through a private door to avoid arrest, Dugan was later convicted of felony obstruction.

The case drew considerable attention, especially from political figures, including then-President Donald Trump, as part of a larger narrative surrounding ongoing immigration enforcement measures. Republican state leaders had pushed for Dugan's impeachment following her conviction.

Republican Assembly Speaker Robin Vos expressed approval of Dugan's resignation, stating it aligned with state constitutional directives, while Wisconsin Elections Commission leader and Democrat Ann Jacobs commended Dugan’s commitment to justice amidst the turbulence.

The incident highlights the ongoing tensions between the judiciary and current federal immigration policies, raising questions about the interplay between judicial actions and federal law enforcement operations. As the country watches the implications of Dugan's resignation unfold, the case emphasizes the complexities surrounding immigration reform and the protection of judicial independence.