Judge Hannah Dugan pleaded not guilty to helping a man evade immigration agents on Thursday and argued federal officials have no power to prosecute her.

The Milwaukee County judge was indicted by a federal grand jury on charges of obstructing an official proceeding and concealing a person from arrest.

Her attorney issued a statement saying Ms Dugan “asserts her innocence and looks forward to being vindicated in court,” according to the New York Times.

The charges stem from a standoff with federal agents outside Ms Dugan’s courtroom in downtown Milwaukee in April.