Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, the immigrant whose April arrest led to a federal indictment against a Milwaukee County judge, has been sentenced to time served for illegally re-entering the United States and is awaiting deportation to Mexico.
Flores-Ruiz, 31, pleaded guilty in September to illegally re-entering the country after a prior deportation. The sentence, handed down by U.S. District Judge Pamela Pepper on Wednesday in Milwaukee, reflects a deal with prosecutors where Flores-Ruiz agreed not to fight his removal in exchange for a recommendation of time served. He has spent nearly seven months in custody since his April arrest.
“I very much hope you can find a way to make a living back home rather than coming back here,” Judge Pepper told Flores-Ruiz during the hearing.
Speaking through a translator, Flores-Ruiz apologized for his entry, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to work in the U.S., and promised not to return.
His attorney, Martin Pruhs, confirmed via email Thursday that Flores-Ruiz is currently at the Dodge County Jail and is set to be deported in the “near future.”
Allegations Against Judge Continue
Flores-Ruiz’s case gained national attention after charges were filed against Milwaukee County Judge Hannah Dugan. Federal prosecutors allege that Dugan helped Flores-Ruiz evade federal immigration agents who were waiting to arrest him at the courthouse on April 18.
Court documents indicate that Dugan, who was presiding over Flores-Ruiz’s hearing on unrelated state battery charges, learned that federal agents were present to apprehend him. She is accused of showing Flores-Ruiz out of her courtroom through a non-public door, typically used by court staff and deputies. Agents ultimately captured him after a brief foot chase outside the courthouse.
Dugan was arrested a week later and indicted in May on federal charges of obstruction and concealing an individual to prevent arrest. Her trial is scheduled to begin on December 15.
The indictment has intensified the conflict between the Trump administration’s sweeping immigration crackdown and local judicial authorities, with critics accusing the administration of targeting Dugan to discourage opposition to its policies. Dugan has denied any wrongdoing, with her attorneys arguing she has the authority to manage her courtroom as she deems necessary.
READ: ‘Headless Chickens’: Louisiana Sen. Kennedy Predicts Shutdown Could Drag On For Weeks
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.
