MADISON, Wis. (AP) — An immigrant at the center of a high-profile case involving Milwaukee County Judge Hannah Dugan has been deported.
Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, 31, recently pleaded guilty to illegally reentering the United States. This follows a controversial incident where Judge Dugan allegedly helped him evade arrest by U.S. immigration agents.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security confirmed on Twitter that Flores-Ruiz has been deported, although it did not specify his destination. His attorney did not respond to requests for further details.
Flores-Ruiz is originally from Mexico and moved to the U.S. in 2013, later being deported but reentering the country illegally. He worked in several Milwaukee restaurants for approximately 12 years.
In March, he faced misdemeanor battery charges linked to an altercation with a roommate. The immigration authorities became aware of his status when his fingerprints were submitted to federal databases via the Milwaukee County Jail.
During a scheduled hearing on April 18, U.S. immigration agents planned to arrest him. However, Judge Dugan allegedly learned of their intentions and assisted Flores-Ruiz in leaving the courtroom through a private exit, leading to a police pursuit.
Following her actions, Dugan was indicted on charges of obstruction and concealing an individual to hinder an arrest, with her trial slated to begin on December 15. If convicted, she could serve up to six years in federal prison.
The Department of Homeland Security condemned Dugan's actions, suggesting they redefine the term 'activist judge.' The judge has denied any wrongdoing, asserting her authority to conduct her courtroom as she sees fit.
Flores-Ruiz spent nearly seven months in jail prior to his deportation. He was sentenced to time served for the illegal reentry charge, which he pleaded guilty to while agreeing not to contest his deportation.
