Chicago Files Lawsuit Against DOJ Over DEI Restrictions
On Wednesday, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson announced that the city has initiated a federal lawsuit against the Department of Justice (DOJ). This legal action is focused on what Johnson describes as “illegal” and “unlawful” restrictions concerning diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).
According to a press release from the mayor’s office, the lawsuit centers on a $6.25 million grant associated with the DOJ’s Community Oriented Police Services (COPS) employment program. There are new conditions, mandated during the Trump administration, that compel cities to ensure grant funds are not allocated to DEI-related programs.
The office argues that these terms were never sanctioned by Congress and essentially hold police funding “hostage” to the political aims of the administration. Johnson stated, “Chicago will not abandon our values or threaten our safety.” He emphasized that “Risking the safety of Chicagoans in pursuit of political ends is simply reprehensible. Community policing is fundamental to building a safer city, and maintaining diversity is part of our essence as a city.”
Johnson further asserted, “We will not back away from that commitment, and we will fight to ensure Chicago receives the rights it is entitled to.” He also mentioned that the requirements of the grant extend to cities not resisting federal immigration enforcement—another point he has often criticized when discussing Trump’s policies.
In collaboration with St. Paul, Minnesota, the city is seeking a judicial ruling to deem this condition illegal. Interestingly, Johnson has been involved in more than 40 legal actions against the Trump administration so far.
Fox News Digital reached out to both the mayor’s office and the DOJ for responses but did not get a reply right away. It’s been noted that Johnson filed a similar lawsuit last month, challenging the Trump administration over terms related to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) grants, which also impose checks against DEI and related programs.
