MADISON, WI – State Representative Dave Murphy (R-Greenville) reacted to the latest developments surrounding Milwaukee County Judge Hannah Dugan’s case and the reactions of several prominent Democrats. Judge Dugan was arrested on federal charges of obstructing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. Murphy criticized prominent Democrats, including U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin and State Representative Ryan Clancy, for defending Dugan’s alleged actions, which he says prioritize ideology over the rule of law.
On April 18, 2025, Dugan allegedly misled ICE agents and escorted Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, an undocumented immigrant from Mexico who is facing misdemeanor battery charges, through a jury door at the Milwaukee County Courthouse to evade arrest. “Judges should uphold the law, not break it,” Murphy said. “It seems clear to me that in this case Judge Dugan was more interested in protecting a criminal from Mexico rather than protecting women in Wisconsin from being assaulted. Defending this conduct, as some Democrats have done, sends a dangerous message that lawlessness is acceptable.”
Senator Baldwin called the arrest a “gravely serious and drastic move” that threatens judicial independence, while Representative Clancy praised Dugan for “standing up for members of our community” against what he termed the “Trump regime.” Murphy countered, “Excusing a judge who allegedly helped an undocumented immigrant evade federal authorities undermines public safety and erodes trust in our judiciary. Political loyalty should not trump accountability.”
“I find it outrageous that Senator Baldwin and Rep. Clancy wouldn’t protect women in locker rooms at either the federal or state levels, and now they would rather help protect a violent criminal instead of his female victim,” said Murphy.
