A federal judge dealt another setback to former Wisconsin Judge Hannah Dugan on Tuesday, upholding her conviction for helping an illegal immigrant evade federal immigration authorities and rejecting her request for reconsideration.

The ruling marks the latest development in a case that has become a flashpoint in the national debate over immigration enforcement and whether public officials can interfere with federal efforts to apprehend individuals living in the country illegally.

U.S. District Judge Lynn Adelman declined to overturn Dugan’s conviction and also refused to establish a new sentencing date after previously postponing sentencing from June 3.

Dugan, a former Milwaukee County Circuit Court judge, was convicted in December on obstruction-related charges stemming from her actions involving Mexican national Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, an illegal immigrant whom federal authorities were attempting to arrest.

Her legal team argued that the conviction should be reconsidered based on a recent federal appeals court ruling in United States v. Hernandez. In that case, an immigrant detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement escaped custody, was later recaptured, and convicted of obstructing a pending immigration proceeding. The conviction was ultimately overturned on appeal.

Dugan’s attorneys argued that Flores-Ruiz was not involved in a pending proceeding at the time of the incident but was instead the subject of an arrest warrant.

In a statement following Tuesday’s decision, Dugan’s lawyers called Adelman’s ruling “wrong.”

However, the federal judge rejected the argument and found that the circumstances of Dugan’s case were significantly different.

“At oral argument, defendant noted that ICE goes out every day to try to arrest people on the street,” Adelman wrote in his ruling.

He further summarized the defense’s position by writing, “Given the estimated 10 million undocumented persons in the United States, does that mean there are 10 million pending proceedings?”

Adelman noted that Dugan “insists that there needs to be some formality, i.e., a proceeding before an agency involving parties trying to come to a determination, an adjudication.”

“The problem for the defense is that this case did not involve some random encounter on the street,” he continued.

“It was a targeted operation, conducted pursuant to agency procedures, including the issuance of an arrest warrant for a specific person, Eduardo Flores-Ruiz.”

The case drew national attention earlier this year after federal authorities accused Dugan of actively helping Flores-Ruiz avoid apprehension by federal agents.

According to prosecutors, Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers, along with agents from the FBI, DEA, and Customs and Border Protection, arrived at the courthouse on April 18 intending to arrest Flores-Ruiz following a scheduled court appearance.

Flores-Ruiz was facing three misdemeanor battery charges and was accused of assaulting two individuals.

Federal authorities alleged that after learning agents were waiting to take Flores-Ruiz into custody, Dugan directed law enforcement personnel away from the area and then escorted Flores-Ruiz and his attorney through a restricted jury door, bypassing the public exit where federal agents were stationed.

Prosecutors argued that the actions were intended to help Flores-Ruiz avoid arrest.

The controversy quickly escalated, leading to Dugan’s arrest and subsequent removal from judicial duties.

In April, the Wisconsin Supreme Court issued an administrative order directing Dugan to be “temporarily relieved of her official duties” while the case proceeded.

The incident also drew sharp criticism from then-Attorney General Pam Bondi, who questioned how a sitting judge could allegedly interfere with a lawful federal arrest operation.

“We could not believe that a judge really did that,” Bondi said.

“You cannot obstruct a criminal case. And really, shame on her. It was a domestic violence case of all cases, and she’s protecting a criminal defendant over victims of crime,” Bondi added.

Bondi also highlighted the allegations against Flores-Ruiz, describing the violence that prosecutors say led to the criminal charges.

“[He] beat the guy, hit the guy 30 times, knocked him to the ground, choked him, beat up a woman so badly; they both had to go to the hospital,” she said.

With Adelman refusing to reconsider the conviction, Dugan now faces sentencing on the obstruction charge, which carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison. While first-time offenders rarely receive the maximum sentence, the case has become a prominent example of the Trump administration’s broader emphasis on enforcing immigration laws and holding public officials accountable when they interfere with federal law enforcement operations.

Supporters of stricter immigration enforcement argue that the ruling sends a clear message that no one—including judges—is above the law when it comes to obstructing federal authorities carrying out their duties. As sentencing approaches, the case is likely to remain at the center of the national debate over immigration, public accountability, and the rule of law.

President Donald Trump arrived in France on Monday for the annual G7 summit after an eventful weekend that showcased both his political influence at home and his administration’s growing diplomatic ambitions abroad.

The president’s trip comes just one day after thousands gathered on the White House South Lawn for UFC Freedom 250, a high-profile event celebrating America’s upcoming 250th anniversary and Trump’s 80th birthday. It also comes as the administration moves forward with what officials describe as a potentially historic agreement aimed at ending tensions with Iran and preventing the regime from obtaining a nuclear weapon.

Senior administration officials confirmed Monday that a memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran was electronically signed Sunday by both President Trump and Vice President JD Vance. Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf signed on behalf of Tehran.

Officials described the memorandum as a framework agreement that establishes the foundation for broader negotiations in the coming weeks. The full text is expected to be released publicly within days.

Administration officials emphasized that the agreement represents the beginning of a larger diplomatic process rather than a final resolution.

“This is the first step,” one senior official told reporters, noting that more detailed technical negotiations are scheduled to begin later this week.

Vice President Vance is expected to take a leading role in those discussions, reflecting the administration’s confidence in his growing influence on foreign policy matters.

The next major milestone is expected Friday in Geneva, Switzerland, where Vance and presidential adviser Jared Kushner are scheduled to represent the United States during a formal signing ceremony.

Trump indicated Monday that he may not attend the event personally due to his ongoing schedule and international commitments.

Speaking before meetings with world leaders at the G7 summit, Trump expressed confidence that the agreement could usher in greater stability throughout the Middle East.

“I think a lot of great things are going to happen in the Middle East right now,” Trump said.

“And very importantly, the oil is plummeting down and the stock market is shooting up like a rocket today.”

The president also pointed to renewed activity through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most strategically important shipping corridors and a key artery for global energy markets.

A major point of discussion surrounding the agreement has centered on whether Iran will receive immediate sanctions relief or access to frozen financial assets.

Administration officials sought to reassure critics that any economic benefits would be strictly tied to Iranian compliance with the agreement.

“We are prepared to release frozen funds, and we are prepared to release sanctions,” one official said.

“And we’ll do some small gestures of that in the beginning, if they make some small gestures to us that show that they’re willing to meet their commitments as well.”

Vice President Vance reinforced that message during a television interview Monday morning.

“We’ll be releasing the text this week, and what everybody will see is that Iran doesn’t get a dime of money unless they perform their obligations,” Vance said.

“The money that we’re talking about is fundamentally sanctions relief.”

Vance also rejected claims that the administration was preparing to hand Iran a massive financial windfall or provide unrestricted access to international funding.

“If the Iranians are willing to give a long-term commitment, along with proper verification, to giving up that nuclear weapon, we’re willing to welcome them into the world economy, to lift some sanctions, and to turn over a new leaf in that relationship,” Vance said.

Administration officials likewise dismissed speculation that Gulf nations could quietly funnel money to Iran outside the framework of the agreement.

One senior official described such claims as “not just unlikely, but preposterous.”

Officials also clarified that the agreement does not require Israel to withdraw from Lebanon or limit its ability to defend itself against attacks from Iranian-backed terrorist groups.

“The deal is a ceasefire, and it will not be a one-way ceasefire,” one official said.

“If Iran is not able to control Hezbollah, and if they attack Israeli positions or Israeli towns, Israel will have the right to defend themselves and respond.”

Despite ongoing challenges throughout the region, administration officials expressed optimism that the framework could serve as the foundation for a broader realignment in the Middle East.

“We can find a way to create a new framework for the region based on modern times, modern aspirations,” one official said.

The diplomatic breakthrough comes as Trump enters the G7 summit from a position of renewed political strength. The president spent the weekend hosting UFC Freedom 250, which drew approximately 4,300 attendees to the White House grounds, including more than 1,200 active-duty military personnel.

The unprecedented event combined patriotism, entertainment, and celebration of America’s approaching 250th anniversary while further highlighting Trump’s unique ability to blend politics and popular culture in a way few modern presidents have attempted.

Now, as he meets with world leaders in France, Trump is seeking to build on that momentum by pursuing what his administration hopes will become one of the most significant foreign policy achievements of his second term.

If successful, the agreement could not only reduce tensions with Iran but also reshape economic and security dynamics across the Middle East for years to come.

Here’s a rewritten version in a more engaging, conservative news style:

President Donald Trump signaled Thursday that his patience with Iran has run out, declaring there will be “no more negotiation” after accusing the regime of dragging out talks while continuing to resist U.S. demands.

During an appearance on Fox & Friends, Trump said Iran has squandered multiple opportunities to reach an agreement and warned that the United States remains prepared to increase pressure if Tehran refuses to comply.

“Well, that could happen if we want to keep going,” Trump said when asked about reports that Iran had been given a final ultimatum. “And the deal is a very good deal. The problem with the deal — it could be the greatest deal in history. They could wave the white flag of surrender.”

The president mocked media coverage that he believes has downplayed Iran’s deteriorating military position.

“‘We surrender. We’re finished. Praise be to Allah,’” Trump said, describing what he believes would be required before some outlets would acknowledge a U.S. victory. “And they could do all of this loud and clear, and the fake news would say it was a great victory for Iran.”

Trump then painted a grim picture of Iran’s military capabilities, claiming U.S. operations have crippled much of the country’s defensive infrastructure.

“We’re killing them. They have no navy. No air force. No anti-aircraft,” Trump said. “We are flying planes over the middle of Tehran and they don’t have any idea.”

According to Trump, U.S. actions have severely damaged Iran’s radar systems, missile launchers, drone capabilities, and air defenses.

“We’ve knocked out all their radar, all of their anti-aircraft, much of their missiles — probably less than 20%,” he said. “Most of their launchers, the missile launches, which is quite important. Their drone capacity is way down. Their attacks are very minor. They’re finished.”

The president also blasted major media outlets for what he described as misleading coverage of the conflict.

“And yet the fake news — just like with the election — the fake news is out there saying, ‘Wow, Iran is doing just so well. Trump is doing terribly,’” he said.

Trump specifically singled out MSNBC host Joe Scarborough, saying he recently watched a portion of Morning Joe and was stunned by the program’s portrayal of events.

“I watched it yesterday, one of his shows for five minutes,” Trump said. “This fake Joe Scarborough talking about how well Iran is doing. Where did that come from? It’s just the craziest thing.”

Despite Trump’s tougher rhetoric, Fox News anchor Bret Baier reported Wednesday that the president remains cautiously optimistic that a diplomatic resolution is still possible.

“I talked to him today, and there was this sense of optimism — cautious optimism — that they maybe get to a deal soon,” Baier said during America Reports.

At the same time, tensions remain high. Baier noted that Iranian state media announced a new authority intended to regulate traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical shipping routes. The proposal would require vessels to obtain authorization before crossing the strategic waterway, a move likely to face resistance from the international community.

Additional details emerged Wednesday regarding recent U.S. military operations. Fox News correspondent Trey Yingst revealed that Trump personally contacted him from the Situation Room shortly before American forces launched another wave of strikes against Iranian military targets.

According to Yingst, the president described the operation before it began, underscoring the administration’s confidence in its military strategy.

Following the strikes, Trump took to Truth Social to deliver a blunt assessment of Iran’s condition.

“Iran’s Military is a complete and total mess,” the president wrote.

With negotiations appearing increasingly fragile and military pressure intensifying, the coming days could prove decisive in determining whether Iran returns to the negotiating table—or faces even greater consequences from the United States.