A Wisconsin judge has been found guilty of obstruction after she was accused of helping a Mexican immigrant evade U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents.

Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan was convicted Thursday following a high-profile trial that has stirred debate amid President Donald Trump’s sweeping immigration crackdown. Federal prosecutors charged Dugan last April with obstruction, a felony, and concealing an individual to prevent arrest, a misdemeanor. While the jury acquitted her on the concealment charge, she was found guilty of obstruction—a verdict that carries a potential sentence of up to five years in prison. As of tonight, no sentencing date has been set.

The jury reached their decision after six hours of deliberation. The case has deeply divided opinion, with the Trump administration calling Dugan an activist judge undermining immigration enforcement, while Democrats argue the prosecution is a politically motivated attempt to intimidate judges who resist the administration’s policies.

Dugan and her legal team declined to comment immediately following the verdict. Her lead attorney expressed disappointment, noting the jury’s split decision was confusing given the similar nature of the charges.

U.S. Attorney Brad Schimel defended the prosecution, emphasizing that courthouse arrests are safer due to security screenings and denying any political motivations behind the case. He described the incident as a serious but isolated event, stating the judge was neither evil nor a martyr.

Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche also praised the verdict, reminding the public that no one, including judges, is above the law.

Court documents revealed that on April 18, immigration authorities came to the Milwaukee County courthouse to arrest 31-year-old Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, who had reportedly reentered the country illegally and was scheduled to appear before Judge Dugan on unrelated charges.

According to testimony, Judge Dugan confronted agents waiting outside her courtroom and incorrectly told them their administrative warrant was insufficient for arrest. She then directed them to the chief judge’s office, creating an opportunity for Flores-Ruiz to escape.

Prosecutors presented evidence that Dugan subsequently expedited Flores-Ruiz’s case off the record, allowed his attorney to arrange remote hearings, and personally escorted Flores-Ruiz out of a private jury entrance.

Despite agents spotting and eventually arresting Flores-Ruiz after a brief pursuit, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security later confirmed he was deported in November.

Audio recordings played during the trial captured Dugan telling her court reporter she would “take the heat” for helping Flores-Ruiz evade the agents.

Dugan’s defense argued she was merely following courthouse protocols requiring staff to notify supervisors about immigration agents, and denied any intent to obstruct law enforcement.

This case highlights the ongoing tensions and complexities surrounding immigration enforcement and judicial conduct.

We will continue to follow updates on this story.

Reporting by Kathy Moore.