Justice Department Freezes Civil Rights Investigations, Raising Concerns Over Policing Reforms

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The logo for the Justice Department is seen before a news conference at the Department of Justice, Aug. 23, 2024, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein, File)
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According to The New York Times, the Justice Department has halted new civil rights investigations and signaled it may backtrack on Biden-era agreements with police departments accused of discrimination or violence.

In two internal memos, Chad Mizelle, the department’s chief of staff, ordered a freeze on civil rights litigation and consent decrees, requiring senior Trump appointees’ approval for new cases or interventions.

Consent decrees, agreements with local governments to address systemic police misconduct, may be reconsidered, jeopardizing settlements like those with Louisville after ‘s killing and Minneapolis following ‘s murder.

A conservative lawyer and Trump ally has been nominated to lead the Civil Rights Division, raising concerns about the rollback of and equity programs.


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