In a significant escalation of the federal government’s stance on immigration enforcement, Attorney General Pam Bondi said Friday that “deranged” judges who obstruct immigration operations will face prosecution.
This announcement follows the arrest of Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Hannah Dugan by the FBI, accused of hindering the arrest of an undocumented individual.
READ: Wisconsin Judge Arrested By FBI For Interfering With ICE
The allegations against Judge Dugan, detailed by Bondi in a Fox News interview, paint a picture of direct interference with federal agents.
Having been advised of the administrative warrant for the arrest of Flores Ruiz, Judge Dugan then escorted Flores Ruiz and his counsel out of the courtroom through the jury door, which leads to a non-public area of the courthouse. A foot chase ensued.
According to Bondi, Judge Dugan was “visibly angry” and attempted to prevent ICE agents from apprehending Eduardo Flores Ruiz, who was in court on domestic violence battery charges.
Bondi emphasized, on Fox News Friday, the severity of the situation, highlighting that Flores Ruiz had allegedly assaulted two individuals who were present in the courtroom.
READ: Federal Officials Take TDA-Harboring New Mexico Judge, Wife Into Custody
“She comes back in the courtroom. You’re not going to believe this, takes the defendant and the defense attorney back in her chambers, takes him out of a private exit and tells him to leave, while a state prosecutor and victims of domestic violence are sitting in the courtroom,” Bondi recounted.
The Attorney General’s remarks extended beyond the Milwaukee case.
The arrest of New Mexico Judge Joel Cano and his wife for allegedly harboring a known member of the violent Venezuelan gang, Tren de Aragua (TDA). Cano is accused of obstructing justice and destroying evidence, including a cell phone containing incriminating photos.
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“He admitted post-Miranda. He took one of the TDA members cell phones himself, took it, beat it with a hammer, destroyed it, and then walked the pieces to a city dumpster to dispose of it to protect him,” Bondi explained. She also alleged that Cano’s wife provided the TDA member with assault rifles.
“What has happened to our judiciary is beyond me,” Bondi said. “The judges are deranged is all I can think of. I think some of these judges think that they are beyond and above the law. They are not, and we are sending a very strong message today … if you are harboring a fugitive… we will come after you and we will prosecute you. We will find you.”
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