MADISON, Wis. (AP) – In a dramatic turn of events, Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, an immigrant at the center of a growing controversy involving a Milwaukee judge, has been deported following his guilty plea to illegally reentering the United States.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security confirmed Flores-Ruiz's deportation in a tweet, but did not specify whether he was returned to Mexico, his home country, or elsewhere.
Flores-Ruiz, 31, was charged after revealing his immigration status during a conflict with his roommate. Authorities discovered he had previously been deported but had reentered the country. In September, he struck a plea deal with prosecutors, agreeing to plead guilty in exchange for time served.
The case has intensified scrutiny on Milwaukee County Judge Hannah Dugan, who allegedly helped Flores-Ruiz evade a scheduled arrest by leading him out of court through a private exit. She now faces federal charges of obstruction of justice, with a trial set to begin on December 15. If convicted, she could face up to six years in prison.
Despite the controversy, Dugan and her defense team argue her actions were justified and necessary, emphasizing that all judicial actions should prioritize courtroom integrity. Meanwhile, the DHS criticized her involvement, calling her actions 'activist judge' behavior in a forcible push against immigration enforcement.
Flores-Ruiz's legal troubles began in March when he was arrested after a domestic altercation. After spending several months in jail, he was sentenced to time served on November 6, which accounts for his earlier plea regarding his illegal entry. His deportation, however, brings an end to his legal battles in the U.S.
The intersection of judicial authority and immigration enforcement continues to provoke debate as Dugan prepares to stand trial for her alleged misconduct and the implications of her rulings unfold nationwide.
