The Wisconsin judge who allegedly helped an illegal migrant evade immigration authorities pleaded not guilty through her attorney on Thursday.
Milwaukee County Judge Hannah Dugan entered the preliminary plea in federal court, which was surrounded by a swarm of protesters supporting the judge, who has become a symbol of resistance against the Trump administration’s immigration policy.
Dugan, 66, was arrested last month after being accused of obstruction of justice and concealing Mexican national Eduardo Flores-Ruiz from federal law enforcement.
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She is accused of rushing Flores-Ruiz, who is accused of domestic battery, out of her courtroom and encouraging him to use an exit that is not usually available to the public to help him evade immigration agents who were there to bust him.
She has denied wrongdoing in the case, with the defense seeking to have the charges dismissed, arguing that the judge is entitled to judicial immunity for her official acts.
Former US Solicitor General Paul Clement, who is on Dugan’s legal team, has slammed the prosecution as unprecedented and unconstitutional.
Dugan’s lawyers have requested a speedy trial during Thursday’s hearing, which lasted only five minutes.
The high-profile arrest led to outcry from Democrats, with protesters lining up outside the courthouse on Thursday in support of Dugan.
The protesters flashed signs that read, “Free Judge Dungan,” as they also criticized the spade of deportations under President Trump.
Dugan’s trial is scheduled to begin on July 21.
The two charges against Dugan carry a maximum penalty of six years in prison and a $350,000 fine.
