Wisconsin Judge Hannah Dugan Resigns Amid Obstruction Conviction

Mon Jan 05 2026 03:11:35 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Judge Hannah Dugan of Wisconsin resigns following her conviction for obstruction related to helping an undocumented immigrant evade federal authorities.

Hannah Dugan, a Wisconsin judge convicted of obstructing federal officers, has submitted her resignation. Dugan expressed in her resignation letter that the ongoing legal issues surrounding her conviction have become a distraction from her duty to uphold the judicial system. The conviction stemmed from her actions to assist an immigrant facing deportation, which drew significant political attention and calls for her impeachment from Republican lawmakers.

Wisconsin Judge Hannah Dugan, convicted of obstruction last month for aiding an undocumented immigrant in evading federal arrest, has sent her resignation letter to the governor, effective immediately. Dugan’s conviction has led to discussions about possible impeachment initiatives by state Republicans.

In her resignation letter, Dugan reflected on her decade-long commitment to ensuring fairness in her courtroom, stating, I have always strived to treat all individuals with dignity and respect, to act justly and maintain courtroom decorum. However, she acknowledged that the ongoing legal battle was a distraction that hindered her ability to serve effectively.

These unprecedented federal legal proceedings present challenges that threaten our judiciary's independence, Dugan wrote, highlighting her struggle against what she perceives as politically motivated attacks.

The obstruction charge arose when Dugan allegedly led a Mexican immigrant out of a courthouse past federal agents last April, which she argues was an act of protecting judicial processes. A federal jury subsequently found her guilty, culminating in her recent resignation amidst mounting pressure.

Republican Assembly Speaker Robin Vos praised Dugan's resignation, suggesting it was aligned with the Wisconsin Constitution, while Democrats echoed her concerns about the politicization of judicial roles.

Dugan's decision to resign reflects the broader implications of her case, which has attracted national attention amid President Trump's ongoing focus on immigration enforcement and judicial independence debates.