A former Chicago FBI head sued the Justice Department over alleged political pressure
Former head of the FBI’s Chicago office Douglas DePodesta sued the Justice Department, alleging the Trump administration pressured him to open investigations into people with political views or affiliations opposed to the Trump administration. His suit also alleges misconduct in prosecuting the Broadview Six anti-ICE protesters and unlawful removal from office. DePodesta said, “My resignation was in no way voluntary.”
More context
Douglas DePodesta, former head of the FBI’s Chicago office, sued the Justice Department, alleging officials pressured him to open investigations into people opposed to Donald Trump. The suit also alleges misconduct by the department during the prosecution of the Broadview Six, anti-ICE protesters, and says DePodesta was unlawfully removed. It names FBI Director Kash Patel, Attorney General Todd Blanche and Andrew Boutros, a prosecutor who heads the department’s Chicago office. DePodesta, a 24-year FBI veteran, served as special agent in charge of the Chicago office from 2024 until July 2026. He says he was made a “scapegoat” after the case collapsed. “My resignation was in no way voluntary. I was ordered to resign, period,” he said.
Was this story useful?
What was the main problem? (optional)
Reporting
- UA News — Former FBI Chicago chief sues US Justice Department over alleged pressure | UA.NEWS
- The Guardian — Ex-FBI chief in Chicago sues DoJ, claiming he was pressured to investigate Trump’s foes
- CBS News — Former FBI Chicago head Doug DePodesta sues FBI, DOJ; says he was forced to resign over failed immigration prosecutions - CBS Chicago
- Boston Herald — Ex-Chicago FBI chief says he was ousted over a failed protesters case, sues Justice Department
- sundayguardianlive.com — Who Is Douglas DePodesta? Ex-FBI Chicago Chief Sues Trump Administration Over Alleged Political Pressure, Claims He Became A ‘Scapegoat’ in Broadview Six Case
Verifier’s note
The Guardian, CBS Chicago, and the Boston Herald report DePodesta’s lawsuit and allegations of pressure to investigate Trump’s political opponents. UA.NEWS attributes its account to The Guardian, while Sunday Guardian Live also describes the same lawsuit and scapegoat claim.