Trial begins for Wisconsin judge accused of blocking Trump deportation push

The trial has opened for a Wisconsin judge accused by the Trump administration of helping a man evade immigration authorities, a case that could signal how far President Donald Trump is willing to go in punishing local officials who resist his mass deportation agenda.

Proceedings began on Friday with opening statements from federal prosecutors and defence lawyers for Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan. The case is being closely watched as a potential test run for Trump’s broader effort to deter institutional pushback against his immigration crackdown.

Prosecutors allege that Dugan deliberately interfered with an arrest attempt by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). According to the government, she directed 31-year-old Eduardo Flores-Ruiz out of the courthouse through a back door after telling ICE agents to consult the chief judge about whether arrests were permitted inside the building.

Assistant US Attorney Keith Alexander told the court that Dugan knowingly obstructed the operation.

“[The ICE agents] did not expect a judge, sworn to uphold the law, would divide their arrest team and impede their efforts to do their jobs,” Alexander said.

He also alleged that Dugan said she would “take the heat” for helping Flores-Ruiz, who had appeared in court on a state charge.

Dugan’s defence team rejects that framing. Her lawyer, Steven Biskupic, argued that the judge had no intention of obstructing federal agents and was simply following established courthouse procedures by directing them to the chief judge.

If convicted on charges of obstruction and concealment, Dugan could face up to six years in prison. Flores-Ruiz was later detained by immigration authorities and deported, according to officials.

The case has drawn sharp criticism from opponents of the Trump administration, who argue it is designed to intimidate judges, mayors and other local officials into compliance with federal immigration enforcement.