Chicago: Johnson Administration Sues DOJ Over Community Policing Hiring Grant Restrictions
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CHICAGO — The City of Chicago, joined by the City of Saint Paul, today filed a federal lawsuit challenging illegal conditions imposed by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) on a $6.25 million grant under the DOJ's Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Hiring Program. The lawsuit, filed in the Northern District of Illinois, seeks to prevent DOJ from imposing new grant conditions that require cities to certify that they do not operate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs that DOJ deems unlawful and do not restrict assistance with federal civil immigration enforcement.

"Chicago will not be intimidated into abandoning our values or compromising our safety," said Mayor Brandon Johnson. "Putting the safety of Chicagoans in jeopardy in pursuit of political ends is simply reprehensible. Community policing is fundamental to building a safer city and upholding diversity is an essential part of who we are as a city. We will not back down from that commitment, and we will fight to ensure that we receive every single dollar that is entitled to Chicago. My administration will continue to hold the Trump administration accountable for their attempts to withhold vital public safety resources for Chicagoans."

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DOJ has imposed new conditions requiring cities to certify that they do not use the grant funds to operate any programs with components related to DEI that the federal administration deems discriminatory. Recipients must also certify compliance with all presidential executive orders and with immigration-related conditions. These unlawful conditions were not authorized by Congress and effectively hold community policing funds hostage to the administration's political agenda.

"Chicago and Saint Paul filed this complaint to enjoin DOJ from imposing unlawful conditions that keep our cities safe," said Corporation Counsel Mary B. Richardson-Lowry. "Congress appropriated these funds to strengthen community policing by enhancing cooperation between law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve. Our cities have long relied on COPS Grants to support vital public safety functions."

The COPS Hiring Program provides funding to support full-time law enforcement positions aligned with local law enforcement agencies' community policing strategies. Chicago has received this grant since 2009, using it to recruit and train officers who build trust and improve public safety in neighborhoods across the city. This year's award would support approximately 50 new hires who would help fill critical vacancies.

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The lawsuit alleges that DOJ's actions violate the Spending Clause of the U.S. Constitution, Separation of Powers, and the Administrative Procedure Act.  The suit also alleges the Executive Branch acted without authority to impose the new conditions.

Chicago and Saint Paul are asking the court to declare the conditions illegal, restrain DOJ from enforcing them, and vacate them as void.

The Johnson administration has led or joined more than 40 legal actions against the Trump administration to protect Chicago from attempts to withhold federal funding.

Filed Under: Government, City
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