WASHINGTON, United States, Dec 19, 2025 (BSS/AFP) - A US judge accused of helping an undocumented man evade federal immigration agents was found guilty of obstruction on Thursday and now faces possible jail time, US media reported.

The case, which became a focal point in the Trump administration's battle with the judiciary over immigration, stems from a standoff in April with federal agents outside a court in the midwestern city of Milwaukee.

Milwaukee County Judge Hannah Dugan pleaded not guilty to charges of obstructing an official proceeding, a felony, and the misdemeanor concealing a person from arrest. She was acquitted Thursday on the lesser concealment charge.

Dugan, 66, faces up to five years in prison for the obstruction count, according to the media reports. A sentencing date has yet to be set.

During the April confrontation, agents had come to arrest Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, a 31-year-old Mexican immigrant appearing on misdemeanor battery charges.

Prosecutors say Dugan sent the agents down the hall to see the chief judge and, while they were away, directed Flores-Ruiz and his lawyer to a private exit used by judges and staff.

Immigration agents spotted Flores-Ruiz, however, and arrested him outside the building after a foot chase. He was subsequently deported.

Dugan was later arrested, and FBI Director Kash Patel posted a photo on social media of her being led away in handcuffs.

Attorney General Pam Bondi accused the judge of "protecting a criminal defendant over victims of crime."

US President Donald Trump has conducted a sweeping crackdown on migrants since returning to power in January.

He's clashed with several courts, which have ruled have ruled against his administrations' moves in some cases.

A number of judges this year have issued rulings that put several of Trump's executive actions on hold, particularly those related to his bid to deport migrants.

Dugan's arrest set off a torrent of criticism by Democrats but was welcomed by some Republicans.

More than 150 former state and federal judges signed a letter to the Justice Department calling Dugan's arrest an attempt to intimidate the judiciary.

On Thursday, Brad Schimel, the interim US attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, denied the case was political.

"We weren't trying to make an example out of anyone," Schimel said, according to local media. "This was necessary to hold Judge Dugan accountable because of the actions she took."