A federal jury in Wisconsin has found Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan guilty of obstruction for interfering with a federal immigration arrest, in a case that has drawn national attention and underscored the Trump administration’s firm stance on enforcing immigration law.

The conviction stems from an incident in April, when Judge Dugan attempted to help a Mexican national avoid arrest by federal agents inside her courtroom.

Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, who was facing misdemeanor battery charges, appeared before Judge Dugan for a scheduled hearing.

At the same time, federal officers from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and the Drug Enforcement Administration were present at the courthouse to execute an arrest warrant issued by an immigration judge.

According to court testimony, Judge Dugan objected to the nature of the warrant and instructed the officers to report to the chief judge.

While the officers were diverted, Judge Dugan directed Flores-Ruiz and his lawyer to leave the courtroom through a private side exit normally reserved for jurors.

Federal agents later intercepted and arrested Flores-Ruiz outside the building, and he was subsequently deported.

Prosecutors argued that the judge’s actions went beyond routine courtroom management and constituted deliberate obstruction of a federal operation.

The jury agreed, convicting her on the obstruction charge.

However, she was acquitted on a separate charge of concealing a person from arrest.

A sentencing date has not yet been scheduled, though the obstruction conviction carries a potential sentence of up to five years in prison.

Judge Dugan’s legal team has maintained her innocence and stated that the mixed verdict leaves room to challenge the conviction on appeal.

Her lawyer told the jury that she merely directed Flores-Ruiz into a hallway with his attorney and did not intend to obstruct law enforcement.

Senior Justice Department officials welcomed the verdict, describing it as a clear affirmation that no public official is above the law.

Deputy U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche said the decision sent a strong message that interference with lawful immigration enforcement will not be tolerated, regardless of position or title.

The case has been widely viewed as a validation of President Donald Trump’s renewed push to enforce immigration laws after returning to the White House.

Since then, federal agencies have expanded operations in multiple cities, emphasizing adherence to the rule of law and accountability for anyone who seeks to undermine it.