Not above the law: FBI arrests judges for aiding violent immigrants

Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), on Friday April 25, announced the arrests of a sitting judge and a former judge, accused of helping undocumented immigrants with alleged violent criminal ties.

According to reports, FBI agents arrested Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan on Friday April 25, at her courthouse.

Earlier before her arrest, the federal officers has arrested former New Mexico Judge Joel Cano and his wife Nancy Cano.

Milwaukee Circuit Court Judge Hannah Dugan.

Attorney General, Pam Bondi, said the Cano’s allegedly sheltered a Venezuelan national tied to a violent gang.

Bondi spoke with ABC News Live’s Kyra Phillips after the arrests.

She dismissed criticisms that the Trump administration was targeting judges to intimidate the judiciary.

“Nobody is above the law, not even a judge,” Bondi said.

FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed Dugan’s arrest in a social media post.

He accused Dugan of obstructing an immigration arrest operation involving an undocumented man, Eduardo Flores Ruiz.

Court records show Flores-Ruiz was charged with three misdemeanor counts of battery and domestic abuse.

He allegedly beat his roommate and a woman so badly they required hospitalization.

According to the FBI complaint, Dugan confronted ICE officers at the courthouse last week.

She reportedly became angry, questioned their authority, and demanded a judicial warrant.

Despite knowing ICE’s intent to arrest Flores-Ruiz, Dugan allegedly helped him exit through a restricted area.

Outside, DEA agents spotted Flores-Ruiz fleeing the courthouse before ultimately apprehending him.

Dugan faces two criminal counts: obstructing federal proceedings and concealing an individual from arrest.

If convicted, she could face up to six years in prison.

Dugan has hired former U.S. Attorney Steven Biskupic for her defense.

Biskupic said she will defend herself vigorously and expects to be exonerated.

Bondi stressed that crime victims were denied justice because Dugan allegedly obstructed Flores-Ruiz’s arrest.

Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson criticized the FBI’s arrest tactics as “showboating.”

Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers accused Trump of “undermining the judiciary” but pledged faith in the court system.

Meanwhile, in New Mexico, former Judge Joel Cano admitted to destroying evidence linked to the Venezuelan immigrant.

Court documents allege Cano smashed a cellphone containing incriminating images of the immigrant holding firearms.

Bondi said the administration’s priority remains keeping America safe, despite accusations of targeting public officials.

“No one can harbor criminals not even a judge,” Bondi told ABC.

FBI: America’s premier law enforcement and intelligence agency

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) stands as the principal law enforcement and domestic intelligence agency of the United States.

Operating under the Department of Justice, the FBI plays a critical role in safeguarding national security and enforcing federal laws.

Its primary mission is to protect and defend the United States against terrorist threats, uphold and enforce the nation’s criminal laws, and provide leadership and services to federal, state, municipal, and international partners.

The agency leads investigations into a wide range of criminal activities, including terrorism, cybercrime, public corruption, organized crime, violent crime, and major civil rights violations.

Through its intelligence-gathering operations, the FBI also works to disrupt plots against the nation’s security before they materialize.

The FBI’s work extends beyond American borders, collaborating with foreign law enforcement agencies to address international criminal and terrorism threats.

With field offices in major cities across the U.S. and legal attachés in embassies around the world, the FBI maintains a global presence.

As criminal activities evolve with technology and international developments.

The FBI continues to adapt, ensuring that it remains at the forefront of the nation’s efforts to uphold justice and protect its citizens.

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