Milwaukee, Wis. — Judge Hannah Dugan, who faced legal challenges after being convicted of obstruction for aiding an immigrant, has tendered her resignation to the state’s governor. The resignation comes amid mounting pressure from Republican lawmakers who had signaled intentions to pursue impeachment since Dugan’s conviction last month.

In a letter dated Saturday, Dugan expressed her commitment to fairness over her decade-long judicial career but acknowledged that her ongoing legal battle was distracting from her duties. “I have faced unprecedented federal legal proceedings that threaten judicial independence,” she wrote. Dugan emphasized the need to prioritize the integrity of the judiciary over personal battles.

Federal prosecutors accused Dugan of intervening when immigration officers attempted to apprehend a Mexican immigrant, Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, outside her courtroom. After guiding him through a private exit, she was subsequently convicted of felony obstruction by a federal jury. The case received national attention and was highlighted by former President Donald Trump as part of a broader immigration crackdown. Critics from the Democratic Party argued that Dugan was being targeted as part of a wider effort to suppress legal challenges to the administration’s immigration policies.

Wisconsin Assembly Speaker Robin Vos praised Dugan’s decision to resign, stating, “I’m glad Dugan did the right thing by resigning and adhered to the Wisconsin Constitution.” Meanwhile, Ann Jacobs, chair of the Wisconsin Elections Commission, expressed her belief that Dugan’s resignation would help facilitate a more stable judicial environment. “Despite her situation, she is ever the champion of justice,” Jacobs noted.

Dugan’s involvement in the obstruction case began last April, when immigration officials were alerted to Flores-Ruiz’s upcoming court appearance related to a battery charge. Tensions escalated as Dugan confronted the agents, asserting that their warrant was insufficient. After the officials left, she assisted Flores-Ruiz in evading arrest, sparking a foot chase that led to his eventual capture.

The situation surrounding Dugan has raised concerns about the balance between judicial independence and political influence in legal proceedings. As her resignation is processed, the state will seek to appoint a replacement to ensure continued efficacy in the courtroom.

While Dugan’s departure marks a significant chapter in Wisconsin’s judicial landscape, it also underscores the challenges faced by public officials navigating the complexities of immigration law and its interplay with the judiciary.