Updated May 15, 2025 - Politics & Policy

Wisconsin judge pleads not guilty on charges of concealing undocumented immigrant

April Rubin

A sign for Judge Hannah Dugan's courtroom — Sign reads "Judge Hannah C. Dugan" in the hallway outside of a courtroom at the Milwaukee County Courthouse in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on April 25. Photo: Jamie Kelter Davis/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Wisconsin circuit Judge Hannah Dugan pleaded not guilty on Thursday to federal charges that she helped an undocumented man evade arrest, multiple outlets reported.

Why it matters: The Trump administration has said Dugan's case is meant to send a message to other judges not to interfere with its immigration crackdown.

She could face up to six years in prison if she is convicted on both counts, per AP.
A couple hundred protesters demonstrated outside the courthouse against Dugan's arrest and the Trump administration's immigration policies, per the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

Driving the news: A federal grand jury indicted Dugan on Tuesday on charges of concealing a person from arrest and obstruction of proceedings.

She was arrested by the FBI last month for trying to help an undocumented immigrant in her courtroom avoid arrest by Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials.

What's next: Her next hearing is scheduled for July 9, and her trial is set for July 21.

Zoom out: The Wisconsin Supreme Court essentially suspended Dugan, saying it was in the public interest for her to be "temporarily relieved of her official duties."

She has served nearly a decade on the court.

State of play: The Trump administration has intensified its battle with the judicial branch, particularly regarding efforts to enforce its immigration agenda. Federal judges have ruled against the administration in several cases, from ordering the return of an erroneously deported man to preventing the deportation of several foreign students and green card holders.

Attorney General Pam Bondi said Dugan's arrest sent a "strong message" to other judges.

Democratic lawmakers called for an investigation into Dugan's arrest, saying that Trump used federal law enforcement to further his agenda.

The latest: Wisconsin state Sen. Chris Larson (D-Milwaukee) spoke outside of the courthouse on Thursday, saying Dugan's indictment is "trial by social media" and being spearheaded by Trump.

Larson added that it's the "latest in his attempt to move America towards authoritarianism by activating the Justice Department to serve his political goals and bully his political enemies."

Go deeper: Wisconsin judge indicted on charges of helping immigrant avoid arrest

Editor's note: This story was updated with additional context.

Add Axios on Google

Wisconsin judge pleads not guilty on charges of concealing undocumented immigrant

What to read next