Former Milwaukee Judge Seeks to Overturn Guilty Verdict

Attorneys argue immigration agents had no right to make arrest in courthouse, judges have immunity

Jan. 30, 2026 at 6:07pm

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Former Milwaukee County Judge Hannah Dugan's legal team is seeking to overturn the jury's guilty verdict against her, arguing immigration agents were not allowed to make an arrest in the courthouse and judges are immune from such prosecution. Dugan's defense team also argued the judge's answer to a jury question during deliberations was wrong, resulting in contradictory verdicts. If the motion to overturn the verdict is denied, the team is seeking a new trial.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing clash between the judiciary and the federal government's immigration crackdown, with Dugan being the "first American judge ever to face trial and a guilty verdict on a felony charge for acts that all were 'part of a judge's job.'" The outcome could set an important precedent regarding the limits of judicial immunity and the ability of federal agents to make arrests in courthouses.

The details

Dugan was found guilty by a federal jury in December 2025 of obstructing federal immigration agents who were seeking to arrest an undocumented immigrant appearing before her in court. However, the jury acquitted her on a separate charge of concealing the immigrant's identity. Dugan's attorneys argue the agents had no right to make an arrest in the courthouse and that judges have immunity from such prosecution as part of their official duties.

  • Dugan's legal team filed the motion to overturn the verdict on January 30, 2026.
  • The government has until February 20, 2026 to respond to the motion.
  • Dugan's team has a final filing deadline of March 6, 2026.

The players

Hannah Dugan

A former Milwaukee County judge who was found guilty by a federal jury of obstructing federal immigration agents.

Lynn Adelman

The U.S. District Judge presiding over Dugan's case, who earlier rejected the defense's judicial immunity claim to dismiss the case.

Steve Biskupic

Dugan's lead defense attorney, who signaled the appeal would focus on the judge's differing answers to a jury question during deliberations.

Eduardo Flores-Ruiz

The undocumented immigrant from Mexico who Dugan was accused of trying to help elude immigration agents.

Tony Evers

The Governor of Wisconsin who appointed a replacement judge, Milwaukee County assistant district attorney Owen Piotrowski, to fill Dugan's vacancy after she resigned.

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What they’re saying

“That conviction cannot stand, as a matter of law.”

— Steve Biskupic, Dugan's lead attorney

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on whether to overturn the jury's guilty verdict or grant a new trial after Dugan's team files their final response by March 6, 2026.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between the judiciary and the federal government's aggressive immigration enforcement, raising important questions about the limits of judicial immunity and the ability of federal agents to make arrests in courthouses. The outcome could set a significant precedent on these issues.