For Immediate Release: April 26, 2025
Statement by Phillip C. Parrish, Candidate for Governor of Minnesota, on Senator Amy Klobuchar’s Misuse of Authority in Spreading Falsehoods About Judge Hannah Dugan’s Arrest
As a candidate for governor of Minnesota, I am deeply troubled by Senator Amy Klobuchar’s reckless misuse of her position to spread false information about the arrest of Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Hannah Dugan. On April 25, 2025, Klobuchar took to X to claim that the arrest of Judge Dugan for obstructing ICE agents ‘threatens the rule of law’ and ‘undermines our system of checks and balances.’ This is not just a misrepresentation of the facts—it’s an irresponsible abuse of her authority as a U.S. senator that erodes public trust in our justice system and jeopardizes the safety of Minnesotans.
Let’s set the record straight. Judge Dugan was arrested by the FBI on felony charges of obstructing a government proceeding and concealing an individual to prevent arrest. Court documents show that on April 17, 2025, Dugan deliberately interfered with a lawful ICE operation by misdirecting federal agents and escorting Eduardo Flores-Ruiz—an undocumented immigrant with a history of domestic violence and prior deportation—out a non-public exit to evade arrest. This forced agents to chase Flores-Ruiz on foot, increasing danger to the public, as confirmed by FBI Director Kash Patel. These actions violate federal law under 8 U.S.C. § 1324, which prohibits concealing individuals from arrest. Dugan’s arrest isn’t a threat to the rule of law—it’s a defense of it.
Senator Klobuchar, as a sitting U.S. senator, has a responsibility to uphold the truth, especially on matters of public safety that impact Minnesota and our neighbors in Wisconsin. Instead, she admitted to not having ‘all the details’ yet rushed to portray this arrest as an attack on our judicial system. This isn’t leadership—it’s a dangerous misuse of her platform to push a false narrative that shields judicial misconduct and undermines law enforcement. Her comments embolden those who break the law while sowing distrust among Minnesotans who rely on elected officials to be honest and informed.
Minnesotans deserve better. As governor, I will lead with integrity, ensuring our state cooperates with federal law enforcement to keep our communities safe. I will hold public officials accountable when they spread misinformation that puts politics over people. Klobuchar’s statement isn’t just wrong—it’s a betrayal of her duty to serve with honesty. I call on her to retract her misleading claims and apologize to the people of Minnesota and Wisconsin for using her position to obscure the truth.
The rule of law isn’t served by protecting judges who break it—it’s served by holding them accountable. Minnesotans are watching, and they demand leaders who tell the truth, not ones who distort it for political gain.
Phillip C. Parrish
Candidate for Governor, 2026