MADISON, Wis. (AP) — An immigrant who dodged federal agents, allegedly with the help of a judge in Wisconsin, has been sentenced to time served for illegally reentering the United States. Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, 31, was handed down the sentence by U.S. District Judge Pamela Pepper on Wednesday after he struck a deal with prosecutors to not contest deportation. Having spent nearly seven months in jail since his arrest in April, Judge Pepper warned him of harsher consequences if he ever returns to the U.S.
I very much hope you can find a way to make a living back home rather than coming back here, Pepper advised Flores-Ruiz. Speaking through a translator, he apologized for his illegal entry, expressed gratitude for having worked in the U.S., and promised not to return.
Born near Michoacan, Mexico, Flores-Ruiz crossed into the U.S. in 2013 at the age of 18 in search of a better life. He was immediately apprehended and deported but later reentered the country, eventually settling in Milwaukee, where he worked in various restaurants and food trucks for about 12 years.
In January, Flores-Ruiz faced battery charges stemming from a fight with his roommate. Immigration agents became aware of his status after his fingerprints were submitted to federal databases by the Milwaukee County Jail. On April 18, agents sought to arrest him in the courthouse, where Judge Dugan reportedly facilitated his escape through a backdoor used by deputies, leading to her subsequent indictment for obstruction of justice. Dugan’s actions have raised concerns regarding judicial integrity in the face of strict immigration enforcement under the Trump administration.
After pleading guilty to reentry charges, Flores-Ruiz agreed not to fight his deportation as part of his plea deal, which could have resulted in a two-year sentence. Following his sentencing, Flores-Ruiz remains in custody, awaiting deportation.
I very much hope you can find a way to make a living back home rather than coming back here, Pepper advised Flores-Ruiz. Speaking through a translator, he apologized for his illegal entry, expressed gratitude for having worked in the U.S., and promised not to return.
Born near Michoacan, Mexico, Flores-Ruiz crossed into the U.S. in 2013 at the age of 18 in search of a better life. He was immediately apprehended and deported but later reentered the country, eventually settling in Milwaukee, where he worked in various restaurants and food trucks for about 12 years.
In January, Flores-Ruiz faced battery charges stemming from a fight with his roommate. Immigration agents became aware of his status after his fingerprints were submitted to federal databases by the Milwaukee County Jail. On April 18, agents sought to arrest him in the courthouse, where Judge Dugan reportedly facilitated his escape through a backdoor used by deputies, leading to her subsequent indictment for obstruction of justice. Dugan’s actions have raised concerns regarding judicial integrity in the face of strict immigration enforcement under the Trump administration.
After pleading guilty to reentry charges, Flores-Ruiz agreed not to fight his deportation as part of his plea deal, which could have resulted in a two-year sentence. Following his sentencing, Flores-Ruiz remains in custody, awaiting deportation.
