In brief
Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, a 31-year-old immigrant, has been sentenced to time served after a Wisconsin judge allegedly helped him avoid federal agents. Flores-Ruiz spent nearly seven months in jail and pled guilty to illegally reentering the country. He faced misdemeanor charges following a dispute with his roommate, which led to federal immigration checks. Judge Pamela Pepper emphasized the severity of consequences should Flores-Ruiz attempt to return to the U.S. in the future. He is now awaiting deportation.
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — An immigrant who was arrested after a judge in Wisconsin allegedly helped him dodge federal agents has been sentenced to time served for illegally reentering the United States.
U.S. District Judge Pamela Pepper sentenced 31-year-old Eduardo Flores-Ruiz on Wednesday in Milwaukee after he reached a deal with prosecutors to not contest deportation. Flores-Ruiz has spent nearly seven months in jail since he was arrested in April. Pepper warned him that he would face harsher penalties if he ever returns to the country.
“I very much hope you can find a way to make a living back home rather than coming back here,” she told Flores-Ruiz.
Speaking through a translator, Flores-Ruiz apologized for entering the United States, said he was grateful that he had a chance to work in the country and promised never to return.
Originally from Michoacan, Mexico, Flores-Ruiz attempted to cross into the U.S. in 2013. After being apprehended and deported, he spent 12 years working in various restaurants in Milwaukee. His misfortunes culminated in a foot chase with immigration agents this year when they sought to arrest him following a minor altercation with a roommate.
Judge Dugan, who allegedly offered him a means of evasion, has been charged with obstruction and is set for trial on December 15, intensifying the focus on ongoing immigration debates in the U.S.
