Madison, Wis. — An immigrant who was arrested after a Milwaukee judge allegedly helped him avoid federal agents has been deported. Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, 31, pleaded guilty in September to illegally reentering the United States following a deal with prosecutors. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced Friday that he has now been deported, although it's unclear whether he was sent back to Mexico or another location. Flores-Ruiz’s case has brought significant attention to Milwaukee County Judge Hannah Dugan, who is facing her own legal troubles for reportedly aiding his escape from federal agents during a court hearing.

Back in 2013, Flores-Ruiz left Mexico and illegally entered the U.S. After several years working in restaurants, he faced misdemeanor battery charges in 2023, alerting U.S. immigration officials to his status after his fingerprints were submitted to federal databases. When agents intended to arrest him at a court hearing, Dugan allegedly guided him out a private exit to evade capture, resulting in later legal actions against her. Dugan was indicted for obstruction in May and is set to stand trial in December. If convicted, she faces up to six years in prison. The Department of Homeland Security condemned her actions, emphasizing the serious implications regarding judicial integrity in immigration enforcement.