Attorney General Pam Bondi issued a blistering statement Friday after two sitting judges — one in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and another in New Mexico — were arrested for aiding and harboring dangerous illegal aliens, including a suspected member of the brutal Venezuelan Tren de Aragua (TdA) gang.
Bondi did not mince words. In a powerful video address, she declared, “No one is above the law. It doesn’t matter if you wear a black robe or sit behind a bench—if you break the law, we will follow the facts and we will prosecute you.” She vowed the Trump administration would defend victims and uphold the rule of law without fear or favor.
Judge Hannah Dugan: Obstructing Justice in Milwaukee
Federal charges were filed against Milwaukee County Judge Hannah Dugan for obstruction and concealing an individual from law enforcement—serious violations under Title 18 of the U.S. Code.
According to an affidavit by FBI Special Agent Lindsay Schloemer, ICE agents, supported by FBI and DEA task force members, arrived at the Milwaukee County Courthouse on April 18, 2025, to arrest Eduardo Flores-Ruiz. Flores-Ruiz, a criminal illegal alien with a violent history, was facing domestic violence charges after allegedly punching a man 30 times and assaulting a woman with his fists.
Agents waited outside Courtroom 615, prepared to execute a lawful administrative arrest. However, Judge Dugan, upon learning of their presence, left her bench mid-session, aggressively confronted federal agents, and falsely insisted they needed a “judicial warrant” for the arrest.
Rather than allow federal law enforcement to do their jobs, Dugan reportedly helped Flores-Ruiz escape by sneaking him out through a non-public “jury door” typically reserved for controlled courthouse access—directly undermining federal efforts. Flores-Ruiz fled into the streets of Milwaukee before being apprehended after a tense pursuit.
Special Agent Schloemer concluded that there was “probable cause” to charge Dugan with federal offenses, and U.S. Magistrate Judge Stephen C. Dries formally signed the criminal complaint.
Judge Joel Cano: Aiding a Gang Member in New Mexico
In a separate but equally disturbing case, former New Mexico Magistrate Judge Joel Cano and his wife, Nancy Cano, were arrested on April 24, 2025.
The Canos stand accused of harboring Cristhian Ortega-Lopez, a suspected member of the ultra-violent Tren de Aragua gang, known for its drug trafficking, extortion, and brutal violence across the Americas. According to federal investigators, the Canos went even further by supplying Ortega-Lopez with assault rifles and allegedly destroying critical evidence to protect him.
Sources confirm that the Canos’ conduct represents an extraordinary breach of public trust, potentially putting American lives in danger by aiding a violent foreign terrorist organization.
A Line in the Sand
The Gateway Pundit had previously reported on growing frustration within the Trump Justice Department over “lawfare” tactics and judges aiding sanctuary policies. Friday’s arrests appear to signal a decisive turning point.
Attorney General Bondi’s remarks crystallized the administration’s stance: “The American people deserve a judiciary that defends victims, not criminals. If you aid violent illegals, you will be held accountable.”
The message is clear: under President Trump’s leadership, rogue officials who violate their oaths will face the full weight of justice — no exceptions, no immunity, and no apologies.
This is a developing story.
