Dugan’s defense team insists she acted within her role as a judge and that prosecuting her violates the Constitution’s separation of powers. They argued that judicial immunity should cover all courtroom actions except clear criminal acts like bribery.
But Judge Adelman rejected that claim, writing: “There is no basis for granting immunity simply because some of the allegations…could be considered part of a judge’s job.” He said that misleading federal agents and facilitating a defendant’s escape went beyond protected judicial activity.
The ruling clears the way for trial, though no date has been set. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for September 3, and both sides say they want proceedings to begin before the year ends.
The case is rare and nationally significant. While conflicts between local officials and federal immigration agents are not new, it is unusual for a sitting judge to face federal charges for allegedly obstructing ICE. Legal analysts say the outcome could reshape how far judicial immunity extends when federal law enforcement is involved.
Flores-Ruiz remains in ICE custody as his immigration case moves forward. The Milwaukee County District Attorney’s office has not commented on whether local charges against him are still active.
If convicted, Judge Dugan could face fines or prison time — a stunning fall from the bench for someone once sworn to uphold the law.
