Since Donald Trump has returned to the presidency, we have seen numerous Department of Justice (DOJ) investigations and prosecutions against his political opponents, often presaged by direct threats from President Trump himself. In a healthy democracy, the justice system must not be weaponized to punish political opponents, chill dissent, or pretextually achieve political objectives — all hallmarks of the authoritarian playbook. But democracy also requires a justice system in which no one is above the law and prosecutions move forward even in politically significant cases so long as those prosecutions are consistent with the law and nonpartisan criminal enforcement priorities.
In the tracker below, you’ll find summaries of retaliatory investigations, arrests, or prosecutions that the Trump administration has pursued since entering office. In determining which prosecutions qualified as retaliatory, we asked three key questions about the investigations. Expand to read more about those questions below:
Start with the administration’s intentional and systematic obliteration of guardrails. President Trump and his political allies and appointees have openly disclaimed adherence to post-Watergate laws and traditions and to the very idea that law enforcement should be independent of the president’s personal political interests. In addition to disdaining and destroying the guardrails, President Trump and his senior political appointees have repeatedly announced their intention to engage in retaliatory law enforcement and have publicly commented on pending cases in ways that interfere with the rights of the accused and that would legally jeopardize even prosecutions that arguably have some legitimate basis.
The Trump administration’s proclivity for charging federal crimes and executing public arrests in cases that do not involve bodily injury, other indicia of serious offenses, or a credible flight risk in cases involving political opponents departs from DOJ guidelines. And in many cases, the administration has publicly announced investigations before any charges, including cases that were eventually dropped without charges. And while some prosecutions may have surface validity, looking at the totality of the known evidence and circumstances may compel the conclusion that the subjects have faced selective enforcement and more publicly harsh treatment simply for being a political opponent of President Trump.
While not all cases brought by the Department of Justice should be expected to lead to indictments, the failure to bring enough credible evidence to indict should be the exception and not the norm. The Trump administration’s notable pattern of conducting high profile arrests only to drop (or be forced to drop) the charges days or weeks later has led judges and prominent legal commentators to sharply criticize the administration’s actions, both in the courtroom and out. These judicial rebukes have played out against the backdrop of mass resignations of career lawyers from DOJ, many of whom have made it clear that they cannot square the current conduct of the Department with their professional responsibilities.
Based on these questions, we previously concluded that the federal prosecutions of Trump brought during the last administration were necessary law enforcement efforts. Using them to assess law enforcement investigations and prosecutions of Trump administration political opponents, compels the conclusion that the administration has frequently veered far over the line into political retaliation.
Retaliatory action need not include arrest or prosecution to be damaging. Oftentimes an ongoing investigation that cannot be immediately dismissed is just as punitive as a win in court. Such actions and investigations are certainly broadly chilling to anyone inclined to oppose the administration, which may be the end goal. At the same time, such actions degrade the rule of law and the Department’s ability to protect the public from actual crime and other unlawful conduct.
About the Tracker
This tracker applies the three retaliatory assessment questions to some of the Trump administration’s arrests, investigations, and prosecutions. In determining which actions qualify, we pay close attention to whether the Administration appears to have understood the subjects as members of the political opposition before taking action against them. The list includes people targeted specifically by federal criminal investigations and other actions and does not include state initiated investigations and prosecutions. It is not exhaustive.
Total number of cases: 18 (in reverse order of first reported official action)
Minnesota Democrats
Tim Walz, Governor of Minnesota Jacob Frey, Mayor of Minneapolis Kaohly Her, Mayor of St. Paul Keith Ellison, State Attorney General Mary Moriarty, Hennepin County Attorney
JANUARY 16, 2026: The DOJ reportedly launched a criminal investigation into these Democratic elected officials for allegedly conspiring to impede federal agents.
JANUARY 20, 2026: DOJ reportedly served subpoenas on the five officials.
POLITICAL INTERFERENCE
Before the investigation even began, President Trump threatened Minnesota Democrats with a “DAY OF RECKONING & RETRIBUTION” and Todd Blanche, the deputy attorney general, publicly accused Mr. Frey and Mr. Walz of “encouraging violence against law enforcement” and referred to their actions as “terrorism.”
SELECTIVE ENFORCEMENT
After the shooting of Renee Good by an ICE agent, Minneapolis became a symbol pushing back on the administration’s immigration enforcement. Each of the subpoenaed individuals have been outspoken against the administration’s tactics. The Minnesota officials sued the administration to block the Department of Homeland Security from executing a planned surge of federal immigration officers to the Twin Cities. Federal investigators did not cooperate with local officials when investigating the shooting, prejudged Ms. Good’s actions, and ultimately decided to not investigate the shooter, Jonathan Ross, despite a longstanding practice of comprehensive DOJ reviews of death-resulting uses of force by law enforcement officers.
VALIDATION
Rather than announcing charges against Jonathan Ross, the DOJ reportedly pushed internally for an investigation into Renee Good’s wife. Once this was announced internally, six Minnesota prosecutors resigned from their position.
Jerome Powell
Chair of the Federal Reserve
NOVEMBER 2025: Jeanine Pirro approved a criminal investigation into Mr. Powell and his involvement with and official statements about the central bank’s renovation of its headquarters.
JANUARY 11, 2026: The U.S. attorney’s office in DC publicly opened a criminal investigation into Mr. Powell.
POLITICAL INTERFERENCE
President Trump has made many public statements about Jerome Powell, saying that he has “mental problems” and that he would love to “fire his ass” for refusing to heed the president’s demand to lower interest rates. However, the president does not have the power to fire a member of the board of an independent federal agency except “for cause.”
SELECTIVE ENFORCEMENT
Since taking office, Trump has repeatedly attempted to target leaders of independent agencies who he disagrees with, including leaders at the Federal Trade Commission, National Labor Relations Board, and Lisa Cook of the Federal Reserve Board.
VALIDATION
Top bipartisan leaders are speaking out against the investigation into Mr. Powell, with one saying that it “could undermine this and future administrations’ ability to make sound monetary policy decisions.” Republican Senator Dave McCormick stated that “the Federal Reserve renovation may well have wasted taxpayer dollars, but the proper place to fix this is through Congressional oversight.” Thom Tillis, Republican member of the Senate Banking Committee even went as far to say “if there were any remaining doubt whether advisers within the Trump Administration are actively pushing to end the independence of the Federal Reserve, there should now be none. It is now the independence and credibility of the Department of Justice that are in question.” Tillis further stated that he “will oppose the confirmation of any nominee for the Fed — including the upcoming Fed Chair vacancy — until this legal matter is fully resolved.”
Mark Kelly
Democratic Arizona Senator, former U.S. Navy Captain and NASA astronaut
NOVEMBER 24, 2025: Pentagon announced a review of “serious allegations of misconduct” against Kelly, a retired Navy Captain, pursuant to the Uniform Code of Military Justice. The announcement stated that further actions could include “recall to active duty for court-martial proceedings or administrative measures” and referenced 18 U.S.C. 2387, which it described as prohibiting “actions intended to interfere with the loyalty, morale, or good order and discipline of the armed forces.”
JANUARY 5, 2026: Pete Hegseth announced that the military has begun taking administrative action against Mr. Kelly, including a censure letter and a retirement grade determination proceeding.
JANUARY 12, 2026: Mr. Kelly filed a lawsuit and Motion for TRO against Pete Hegseth and the Department of Defense alleging violations of the the First Amendment, the Speech or Debate Clause, the separation of powers, due process, 10 U.S.C. § 1370, and the Administrative Procedure Act.
JANUARY 16, 2026: A judge converted the Motion for Temporary Restraining Order to a Motion for Preliminary Injunction and Stay under 5 U.S.C. § 705 and set a hearing for January 28, 2026
JANUARY 20, 2026: On behalf of Former Service Secretaries, Retired Senior Military Officers, and Vet Voice Foundation, Protect Democracy filed an amicus brief in Support of Plaintiffs Motion for a Preliminary Injunction and Stay Under 5 U.S.C. § 705
POLITICAL INTERFERENCE
Kelly, a Democratic Senator from Arizona, appeared in a video with other Democratic members of Congress who had either served in the military or worked in the intelligence community. The video advises military members that they are not required to follow unlawful orders. Kelly had previously expressed concern about legal exposure for troops involved in strikes on boats in the Caribbean. President Trump responded to the video by suggesting that the people in it had engaged in “sedition” and that they should be jailed or possibly executed. “Each one of these traitors to our Country should be ARRESTED AND PUT ON TRIAL. Their words cannot be allowed to stand,” Trump wrote. He also re-posted a call to “Hang them.” Defense Secretary Hegseth called the video “despicable, reckless, and false,” and referred to the lawmakers as “the Seditious Six.”
SELECTIVE ENFORCEMENT
Military Justice experts have advised that retired servicemembers are not typically recalled to face punishment for actions committed after their retirement. Furthermore, Kelly’s comments mirror information active duty soldiers are given in training.
Kat Abughazaleh
Democratic Congressional Candidate
OCTOBER 23, 2025: Indicted for forcibly impeding, intimidating, and interfering with an officer of the United States
SELECTIVE ENFORCEMENT
Ms. Abughazaleh had been frequently protesting at the Broadview ICE facility and was filmed being pushed by federal agents. She used that footage in her ad campaign and has continuously spoken out against the Trump administration. The indictment also charged five other people, including two other political candidates and a local community trustee who have all been outspoken protesters.
John Bolton
Former National Security Advisor
AUGUST 22, 2025: FBI searched John Bolton’s home
October 16, 2025: John Bolton indicted for Transmission of National Defense Information and Retention of National Defense Information
October 17, 2025: John Bolton pled not guilty at arraignment
POLITICAL INTERFERENCE
Mr. Bolton has been an outspoken critic of President Trump since he served in the first Trump Administration and wrote a book documenting his time in the White House. Mr. Bolton was included in Kash Patel’s “enemies list.” Both President Trump and Vice President Vance made public comments about the investigation phase while acknowledging there was no actual reason known for the investigation.
Lisa Cook
Federal Reserve Governor
AUGUST 20, 2025: U.S. Federal Finance Agency Director alleged she committed mortgage fraud, via a post on X
AUGUST 25, 2025: President Trump purported to fire her
SEPTEMBER 4, 2025: DOJ opened a criminal investigation
POLITICAL INTERFERENCE
President Trump posted on Truth Social calling for Ms. Cook’s resignation, before the Justice Department had even started an investigation. Ms. Cook is one of three Biden appointees on the Fed, an agency that Trump has been publicly targeting. The Trump administration has attempted to fire Ms. Cook while the investigation is ongoing. A district court judge reinstated Ms. Cook. The administration appealed the case to the Supreme Court, which declined to stay the decision, allowing Ms. Cook to remain in her position at least until a hearing in January 2026.
SELECTIVE ENFORCEMENT
While the administration has publicly accused Cook before even indicting her, it has yet to produce any evidence of fraudulent intent. Several sources have found that two Trump administration officials, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer made the same alleged error, yet they are not facing prosecution.
Adam Schiff
California Senator and Former Chair of the House Intelligence Committee
AUGUST 13, 2025: Trump publicly called on the DOJ to investigate Schiff for his work investigating Trump previously
POLITICAL INTERFERENCE
Before the investigation even began, President Trump posted on Truth Social alleging fraud. He later posted on Truth Social an apparent demand that Pam Bondi prosecute Sen. Schiff, saying he was “guilty as hell.” It has been reported that prosecutors “have been hesitant to proceed with charges against” Sen. Schiff because the investigation has “not produced enough evidence to bring charges.” When asked about this new report Trump replied that he was “not going to comment on that” but stated that “Adam Schiff is one of the lowest forms of scum I’ve ever dealt with in politics” and that “He’s a horrible human being, very dishonest person.”
SELECTIVE ENFORCEMENT
Sen. Schiff has been the target of Trump’s attacks for nine years now. In 2024 he became a household name after serving on the January 6th committee and wears the attacks by the administration as a “badge of honor.”
VALIDATION
Sen. Schiff had already been investigated during Trump’s first term for the alleged leak of classified information, but federal prosecutors found the staffer who made the accusation lacked credibility. The mortgage fraud investigations into Adam Schiff and Letitia James, led by Ed Martin and Bill Pulte, are reportedly under investigation by the DOJ for potential misconduct.
James Comey
Former F.B.I Director
JULY 8, 2025 (Reported): The F.B.I. launched an investigation apparently arising out of Comey and John O. Brennan’s respective roles in the investigation of Russian interference in the 2016 election
SEPTEMBER 26, 2025: Indicted and charged with making a false statement to Congress and obstruction of an investigative proceeding before Congress
OCTOBER 9, 2025: Comey pled not guilty at arraignment; trial is set for January 5, 2026
OCTOBER 20, 2025: Comey filed a Motion to Dismiss Based on Vindictive and Selective Prosecution and Motion to Dismiss based on Unlawful Appointment
OCTOBER 28, 2025: Protect Democracy filed an Amicus Brief in support of Mr. Comey
NOVEMBER 21, 2025: Comey filed a Motion to Dismiss based on Grand Jury Violations
NOVEMBER 24, 2025: Senior District Judge Cameron McGowan Currie dismissed the indictment based on unlawful appointment of Lindsey Halligan
POLITICAL INTERFERENCE
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt has made statements about being glad to see the investigation into “corruption at the highest level” and “the deep state” attacks on Trump, with no evidence to support these statements. Trump made statements about them being “dishonest people.” President Trump posted on Truth Social seemingly demanding that Pam Bondi prosecute Comey and saying Comey was “guilty as hell.” Just after Comey’s indictment was announced, President Trump took to Truth Social to state that Comey is “one of the worst human beings the Country has ever been exposed to” calling him “James ‘Dirty Cop’ Comey” while loudly alleging that “HE LIED!” During an interview with 60 Minutes President Trump once again called Comey a “dirty cop” and when asked about his Truth Social post that seemingly called for Pam Bondi to prosecute he said he did not “have to instruct [Pam Bondi and Kash Patel], because [Comey and Letitia James] were so dirty, they were so crooked, they were so corrupt” that prosecutors did it on their own.
SELECTIVE ENFORCEMENT
Criminal investigation of a high-level federal employee for actions taken in the scope of their office is highly unusual, particularly in cases, like this one, that resulted in prosecutions and convictions. In this instance, there were already two Trump-instigated investigations of the conduct of the 2016 Russia investigation, one by the DOJ inspector general and one by Special Counsel John Durham. Neither of those investigations disclosed criminal wrongdoing by Comey. Neither of those investigations disclosed criminal wrongdoing by Comey, including with respect to the making of false statements that are the apparent subject of the indictment. Indeed, Durham’s investigation resulted in one guilty plea by an FBI attorney based on the alteration of search warrant application and two jury acquittals.
VALIDATION
The bipartisan Senate Intelligence Committee conducted an extensive investigation that concluded that Russia did, in fact, interfere in the 2016 election for the purpose of helping Trump’s candidacy, which was the same conclusion reached in the investigation conducted by the FBI and Special Counsel Robert Mueller. It has been reported that after a two month investigation, prosecutors in Virginia sent a memo to the newly appointed U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, Lindsey Halligan, summarizing their findings that no probable cause exists to secure an indictment. Additionally, it has been reported that Pam Bondi had concerns about a case being brought against Comey. The grand jury rejected one of the three charges presented to it. A bipartisan group of 42 retired judges wrote a statement condemning the prosecution of Comey. After a court hearing assessing whether to dismiss the indictments based on unlawful appointment, the judge detailed “a disturbing pattern of profound investigative missteps” and potential prosecutorial misconduct that undermined “the integrity of the grand jury proceeding.” Days later in a hearing on whether to dismiss the Indictment based on selective and vindictive prosecution, Lindsey Halligan admitted that she had not presented the final version of the grand jury indictment in Mr. Comey’s grand jury proceeding. On November 24, 2025, the judge dismissed the indictment against Comey without prejudice on the ground that U.S. Attorney Lindsey Halligan’s appointment was unlawful.
John O. Brennan
Former C.I.A Director
JULY 8, 2025 (Reported): The F.B.I. launched an investigation apparently arising out of James Comey and Brennan’s respective roles in the investigation of Russian interference in the 2016 election
POLITICAL INTERFERENCE
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt has made statements about being glad to see the investigation into “corruption at the highest level” and “the deep state” attacks on Trump, with no evidence to support these statements. Trump made statements about them being “dishonest people.”
SELECTIVE ENFORCEMENT
Criminal investigation of a high-level federal employee for actions taken in the scope of their office is highly unusual, particularly in cases, like this one, that resulted in prosecutions and convictions. In this instance, there were already two Trump-instigated investigations of the conduct of the 2016 Russia investigation, one by the DOJ inspector general and one by Special Counsel John Durham. Neither of those investigations disclosed criminal wrongdoing by Brennan. Indeed, Durham’s investigation resulted in one guilty plea by an FBI attorney based on the alteration of search warrant application and two jury acquittals.
VALIDATION
While no charges have yet been sought or filed that would permit grand jury or judicial review, in addition to the investigations noted above, the bipartisan Senate Intelligence Committee conducted an extensive investigation that concluded that Russia did, in fact, interfere in the 2016 election for the purpose of helping Trump’s candidacy, which was the same conclusion reached in the investigation conducted by the FBI and Special Counsel Robert Mueller.
Brad Lander
NYC Comptroller
JUNE 17, 2025: Forcibly arrested by federal agents while escorting a defendant out of immigration court for allegedly assaulting law enforcement and impeding a federal officer. No charges filed.
SEPTEMBER 18, 2025: Arrested by federal agents while attempting to conduct congressional oversight of ICE holding center. Charged with a misdemeanor.
POLITICAL INTERFERENCE
DHS put out a press release calling Mr. Lander a “politician[] pulling a stunt in attempt to get their 15 minutes of fame” while detailing “facts” of the situation.
SELECTIVE ENFORCEMENT
Mr. Lander had participated in court watching two times before this incident. He was arrested after asking to see a judicial warrant. Several others were court watching with Mr. Lander and were not arrested.
VALIDATION
Mr. Lander was released without charge.
Alex Padilla
Democratic California Senator
JUNE 12, 2025: Forcibly removed from Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s press conference. No charges filed.
SELECTIVE ENFORCEMENT
Senator Padilla was asking a question of a government official while identifying himself as a U.S. Senator, and there is no allegation of violence.
VALIDATION
Senator Padilla was released without charge.
David Huerta
SEIU California President
JUNE 6, 2025: Detained by federal officers while protesting an immigration raid
OCTOBER 17, 2025: Felony charge was downgraded to a misdemeanor
POLITICAL INTERFERENCE
Mr. Huerta is being prosecuted by acting U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli’s office which has been forced to dismiss numerous cases because of faulty or fabricated allegations. Four different colleagues reported hearing Essayli shout “F*** the Justice Manual”– the rulebook used to preserve the integrity of investigations. On October 28, 2025 a federal judge disqualified Mr. Essayli from acting as the U.S. Attorney for unlawfully assuming the role of Acting United States Attorney based on several factors that culminated in the illegality of his purported appointment.
SELECTIVE ENFORCEMENT
Mr. Huerta is the president of the largest labor union in the country. He was participating in a nonviolent act of resistance and had to be hospitalized as a result of his violent arrest.
Letitia James
New York Attorney General
MAY 18, 2025: The FBI publicly confirmed an investigation around alleged mortgage fraud
AUGUST 8, 2025: The DOJ issued two subpoenas as a part of a criminal investigation into her activity as Attorney General prosecuting Trump and the NRA
OCTOBER 9, 2025: Ms. James was indicted for bank fraud and making false statements to a financial institution
OCTOBER 24, 2025: Ms. James filed a Motion to Dismiss the Indictment Based on Unlawful Appointment and Enjoin the Prosecution
NOVEMBER 7, 2025: Ms. James filed a Motion to Dismiss Indictment for Vindictive and Selective Prosecution
NOVEMBER 13, 2025: Protect Democracy filed an Amicus Brief in support of Ms. James
NOVEMBER 24, 2025: Senior District Judge Cameron McGowan Currie dismissed the indictment based on the unlawful appointment of Lindsey Halligan
POLITICAL INTERFERENCE
Ed Martin, special attorney and director of the Weaponization Working Group sent Ms. James’ attorney a letter stating he would take Ms. James’ resignation “as an act of good faith,” even though she has yet to be indicted on any charges. Ms. James prosecuted and won a case against Trump for defrauding banks and lenders, resulting in a significant judgment. President Trump has accused Ms. James of political motivation in her prosecutions. Donald Trump posted on Truth Social seemingly demanding Pam Bondi to prosecute Ms. James and saying she was “guilty as hell.” Lindsey Halligan, the U.S. Attorney on the case, reportedly reached out to a journalist to criticize press coverage of the indictment and may have improperly revealed internal government information. During an interview of President Trump on 60 minutes, when asked about his Truth Social post that seemingly called for Pam Bondi to prosecute Trump said he did not “have to instruct [Pam Bondi and Kash Patel], because [Comey and Letitia James] were so dirty, they were so crooked, they were so corrupt” that prosecutors did it on their own.
VALIDATION
News reports indicate that the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, Erik Siebert, refused to pursue a case against Ms. James and subsequently resigned. President Trump stated on Truth Social that he fired the U.S. Attorney. A career prosecutor for EDVA determined there was not probable cause to file charges against Ms. James. Just days later, Lindsey Halligan, the new U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, presented the case to the grand jury, which is outside of standard practice. After a court hearing assessing whether the subsequent indictment should be dismissed based on Halligan’s unlawful appointment, the judge detailed “a disturbing pattern of profound investigative missteps” and potential prosecutorial misconduct that undermined “the integrity of the grand jury proceeding.” On November 24, 2025, the judge dismissed the indictment against James without prejudice on the ground that U.S. Attorney Lindsey Halligan’s appointment was unlawful. In addition, the mortgage fraud investigations into Adam Schiff and Letitia James, led by Ed Martin and Bill Pulte, are reportedly under investigation by the DOJ for potential misconduct. Federal grand juries in both Norfolk and Alexandria declined to indict Ms. James after her initial indictment was dismissed.
LaMonica McIver
United States Representative
MAY 9, 2025: Arrested by federal officers
JUNE 10, 2025: Indicted for allegedly impeding and interfering with federal officers
AUGUST 15, 2025: Rep. McIver filed a Motion to Dismiss Based on Selective Enforcement and Vindictive Prosecution
NOVEMBER 13, 2025: A judge denied Rep. McIver’s Motion to DIsmiss on two counts, but allowed one count to proceed
DECEMBER 29, 2025: Rep. McIver filed an Appeal with the Third Circuit
JANUARY 5, 2026: A judge denied the last count of Rep. McIver’s Motion to Dismiss
POLITICAL INTERFERENCE
Charged by former senior advisor and legal spokesperson to President Trump and current interim U.S. Attorney, Alina Habba, who was reprimanded by a federal judge for the hasty arrest of Ras Baraka. President Trump publicly commented on the evidence, describing the Congresswoman’s conduct as “shoving,” “out of control,” and the “kind of crap” that is “over in this country.” DHS put out several statements about Rep. McIver’s arrest, one accusing her of being a “gutter politician.” Rep. McIver’s legal team alleges that these statements are inappropriate “extrajudicial statements.” DHS has removed many of the posts in question after the Judge in her case asked prosecutors to remove statements out of concern they would taint a jury pool.
SELECTIVE ENFORCEMENT
Rep. McIver asserted that she was engaging in congressional oversight to inspect the conditions of an ICE facility. DOJ does not allege that anyone was injured as a result of McIver’s actions.
Ras Baraka
Newark Mayor; Democratic Candidate for Governor of New Jersey
MAY 9, 2025: Arrested and detained by federal agents for trespassing
MAY 19, 2025: Charges dropped
POLITICAL INTERFERENCE
Newly released body camera evidence submitted in LaMonica McIver’s federal court case reveals a special agent saying “We are arresting the mayor right now, per the deputy attorney general of the United States. Anyone that gets in our way, I need you guys to give me a perimeter so I can cuff him.”
SELECTIVE ENFORCEMENT
Outspoken critic of conditions in ICE detention facility as part of campaign. Upon hearing the prosecutors’ decision to drop the federal trespassing charge, U.S. Magistrate Judge André Espinosa, assigned to Mr. Baraka’s case, told the prosecutor “an arrest, particularly of a public figure, is not a preliminary investigative tool. It is a severe action, carrying significant reputational and personal consequences, and it should only be undertaken after a thorough, dispassionate evaluation of credible evidence.”
VALIDATION
The charges against Mr. Baraka have been dropped.
Honorable Hannah Dugan
Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge
APRIL 25, 2025: Arrested by the FBI and indicted for allegedly concealing an individual to prevent arrest and obstruction
DECEMBER 19, 2025: Found guilty of felony obstruction and not guilty of concealing an individual to prevent arrest
JANUARY 3, 2026: Judge Dugan resigned as a Milwaukee County Circuit Court judge
POLITICAL INTERFERENCE
Attorney General Pam Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel both issued public statements suggesting that this arrest serves as a threat towards anyone protecting immigrants and that “[the U.S. DOJ] will come after you and we will prosecute you. We will find you.”
SELECTIVE ENFORCEMENT
Judge Dugan was arrested a week after the alleged incident occurred. Standard procedure for nonviolent crimes that do not involve a known flight risk is to issue a summons unless there is an urgent threat, however Judge Dugan was not afforded that standard courtesy and instead was forcibly and publicly arrested. A bipartisan group of over 150 former federal and state judges penned a letter criticizing this and the Trump Administration’s greater attacks on the judiciary.
Chris Krebs
Former Director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency at DHS
APRIL 9, 2025: President Trump issued an Executive Order directing agency investigations of Krebs
POLITICAL INTERFERENCE
As CISA Director, Mr. Krebs played a role in correcting disinformation about 2020 election fraud alleged by President Trump. President Trump fired Mr. Krebs via twitter. Mr. Krebs has since been an outspoken critic of President Trump and his administration.
SELECTIVE ENFORCEMENT
There is no public evidence that Chris Krebs committed a federal crime.
Miles Taylor
Former Chief of Staff of DHS
APRIL 9, 2025: President Trump issued an Executive Order directing agency investigations of Taylor
POLITICAL INTERFERENCE
Miles Taylor was the anonymous author of a statement warning the public about President Trump’s official behavior during his first term. He has since come forward as an outspoken critic of President Trump and his administration. Miles Taylor was subsequently named on Kash Patel’s “enemy list.”
SELECTIVE ENFORCEMENT
There is no public evidence that Miles Taylor committed a federal crime.
Kilmar Abrego Garcia
MARCH 15, 2025: Deported in violation of immigration court order after an administrative error
JUNE 6, 2025: Returned and indicted the same day for conspiracy to commit human trafficking
JUNE 23, 2025: TN and MD courts ordered his release and prohibited deportation after release
AUGUST 22, 2025: Released and returned to Maryland
AUGUST 25, 2025: Detained by ICE during a court mandated check-in and threatened with deportation to Uganda
SEPTEMBER 5, 2025: ICE threatened deportation to Eswatini
OCTOBER 3, 2025: Judge ruled in favor of Abrego-Garcia and granted discovery on the basis of potential vindictive prosecution
OCTOBER 27, 2025: Judge Crenshaw issued an Order requiring the Department of Justice and Department of Homeland Security Officials to refrain from making prejudicial statements
DECEMBER 11, 2025: A federal judge granted Mr. Abrego Garcia’s petition for writ for habeas corpus
DECEMBER 12, 2025: A federal judge entered a temporary restraining order enjoining ICE from detaining Mr. Abrego Garcia
POLITICAL INTERFERENCE
President Trump made numerous false public statements about Mr. Abrego Garcia’s criminality. Abrego Garcia has been used as the face of Trump’s deportation policy and public opposition to it. Erez Reuveni, then the career Director of the Office of Immigration Litigation, acknowledged in a court hearing that deporting Kilmar Abrego Garcia to El Salvador was an error. He was then fired. Reuveni later told the Senate Judiciary Committee that senior DOJ leadership had purposely deceived the courts and expected career staff to do the same – or else.
SELECTIVE ENFORCEMENT
There is no evidence that Mr. Abrego Garcia was investigated for human smuggling or trafficking before his removal.
VALIDATION
Magistrate Judge in Tennessee cast doubt on the charges against Abrego Garcia, and the government’s claim that he is a dangerous criminal and sexual predator. In a recent judicial opinion issued in Mr. Abrego Garcia’s ongoing Tennessee case, a District Court Judge wrote that the “timeline suggests that Abrego’s prosecution may stem from retaliation by the DOJ and DHS due to Abrego’s successful challenge of his unlawful deportation in Maryland” and granted discovery on the basis of potential vindictive prosecution. District Court Judge Crenshaw wrote that the public statements made by the government and government officials “are troubling, especially where many of them are exaggerated if not simply inaccurate.” Newly unsealed material reveals that “the government’s documents may contradict its prior representations that the decision to prosecute was made locally and that there were no outside influences.” The Judge has now put the onus on the government to prove that it was not engaged in a vindictive and selective prosecution.
