The Trump administration is ramping up pressure on local officials for obstructing enforcement amid the U.S. deportation drive.
Published December 15, 2025
The trial has begun for a Wisconsin judge accused by President Donald Trump’s administration of helping a man evade immigration authorities and obstructing the president’s mass deportation drive.
The case, which began Friday with opening statements from federal prosecutors and attorneys from Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan, could serve as a bellwether for President Trump’s efforts to punish local officials who resist federal immigration campaigns.
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Prosecutors allege Dugan led Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, 31, through a back door after directing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents to speak with the presiding judge about whether arrests would be allowed in court.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Keith Alexander claimed that Dugan told him he would “take it patiently” for helping Flores Ruiz, who was in court on state charges.
“(ICE officers) did not anticipate that a judge sworn to uphold the law would divide the arrest team and prevent it from doing its job,” Alexander said.
Defense attorney Stephen Biskupic, however, said the judge had no intention of interfering with the representatives and was following court policy which instructs representatives to speak with the presiding judge.
Dugan could face up to six years in prison if convicted of obstruction and concealment. Flores-Ruiz was then detained by immigration authorities and deported, officials said.
Critics have accused the Trump administration of using Mr. Dugan’s case to cool opposition from local officials.
Many jurisdictions across the country have policies that prevent local governments from coordinating directly with federal immigration authorities.
These policies are not illegal, but the Trump administration has vowed to prosecute anyone it deems obstructing enforcement.
The administration has also issued widespread warnings against so-called “sanctuary cities” as it ramps up enforcement in courts and eases restrictions on arrests in sensitive locations such as churches and schools.
Immigration advocates say these policies prevent people from interacting with the legal system.
