Last Updated on 1 week by Ashley Michael
The Department of Justice under the Trump administration has dismissed federal lawsuits filed during the Biden presidency against the police departments of Minneapolis and Louisville. These lawsuits, launched in response to the high-profile deaths of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, aimed to enforce police reforms through federal oversight.
Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon explained that the previous administration’s consent decrees placed excessive federal control over local law enforcement, undermining community leadership and autonomy. The Trump DOJ is instead focusing on empowering local officials to lead their own reform efforts without federal intervention.
Along with Minneapolis and Louisville, investigations into other police departments in cities such as Phoenix, Memphis, and Oklahoma City have also been closed.
Despite the federal withdrawal, local leaders have vowed to continue reform initiatives. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey emphasized the city’s commitment to accountability, stating that the reforms outlined in prior agreements will still be pursued.
Civil rights groups have voiced concern over the decision, arguing that federal oversight remains crucial to ensure transparency and protect citizens’ rights. They warn that without federal involvement, progress on police reform could slow or stall.
This move signals a shift in the federal government’s approach to policing, prioritizing local control over national mandates. The impact of this change will be closely watched as communities seek effective solutions to policing and justice challenges.