Manhattan Federal Judge Alvin Hellerstein, who reserved decision, appeared unswayed by Trump's position, saying he'd sought two bites at the apple by first trying in state court to get his conviction tossed on account of the Supreme Court's July 2024 decision on presidential immunity and, when that didn't work, refocusing efforts in federal court. The judge said the strategy led Trump to miss the 30-day window to raise the matter federally, without a good cause excuse.
A Wisconsin jury found state court Judge Hannah Dugan guilty of obstructing federal immigration enforcement on Thursday, delivering a victory to the Trump administration's crusade against anyone-even judicial officers-who attempt to impede its mass deportation campaign. Dugan, a Milwaukee County Circuit Judge, helped a noncitizen evade ICE agents at the state courthouse by instructing him to exit the courtroom through a specific door. Agents apprehended him anyway, and prosecutors promptly charged Dugan with obstruction, a felony punishable by up to five years' imprisonment.
Hellerstein's ruling, which echoed his previous denial, did not consider whether certain evidence admitted during the state court trial relates to immunized official acts or, if so, whether evidentiary immunity transformed the hush money case into one that relates to official acts, the appeals court panel said. The three judges said Hellerstein should closely review evidence that Trump claims relate to official acts.
