MILWAUKEE — Former Wisconsin Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan was sentenced Wednesday to pay a $5,000 fine but avoided prison after being convicted of felony obstruction for helping a Mexican defendant evade U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in her courtroom.

U.S. District Judge Lynn Adelman cited Dugan’s otherwise law-abiding record in imposing the sentence, saying the former judge’s conduct was a “marked deviation” from a lifetime of public service. “I think this is a situation where an otherwise good person, upset by immigration policies in this country, made a bad decision in the moment,” Adelman said.

Dugan, 67, was found guilty in December of obstruction but acquitted of a misdemeanor charge of concealing an individual to prevent arrest. Prosecutors said Dugan’s actions on April 18, 2025, endangered law enforcement and the public and violated her oath as a judge. They argued that judges must not cross the line when exercising discretion, urging a serious sentence consistent with federal guidelines that call for 15 to 21 months in prison.

Her defense attorneys contended that Dugan had already faced significant consequences, including resigning from her judgeship, which she had held for nine years, amid impeachment threats from Republican officials who branded her an activist. Following her conviction, Republican U.S. Representative Tom Tiffany, a Trump ally and Wisconsin gubernatorial candidate, publicly called for her imprisonment. Dugan’s legal team is planning to appeal the conviction.

Dugan’s courtroom actions stemmed from ICE agents seeking to detain Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, 31, who had reentered the United States illegally and was scheduled to appear before her on a battery case. After confronting the ICE officers outside her courtroom, Dugan directed them to the chief judge’s office, questioning the validity of their administrative warrant. Once agents left, she escorted Flores-Ruiz and his attorney out a private door. ICE agents later spotted Flores-Ruiz in a corridor, pursued him, and arrested him outside the courthouse following a brief chase. Flores-Ruiz was deported in November 2025.

During sentencing, Dugan addressed the court, emphasizing that her intent was not malicious but focused on maintaining courtroom decorum and safety. She rejected being labeled either a lawbreaker or a hero, describing herself as a public servant who is now forced to live away from public life due to threats against her and her family.

Supporters, including two Marquette University law professors and a former state Supreme Court justice, submitted statements portraying Dugan as a defender of oppressed individuals. Jesuit priest Gregory O’Meara, who spoke on her behalf, said her actions reflected her Christian values and argued against punishment.

Prosecutors acknowledged the personal toll Dugan has endured but maintained that judges must uphold the law. Adelman noted that her conduct did not prevent ICE agents from making the arrest and, given the circumstances, concluded that prison time was unnecessary.

Dugan’s case marks the first instance of a Wisconsin state judge being tried on obstruction charges related to immigration enforcement. She resigned in January 2026, citing concerns that her prosecution threatened judicial independence.