DOJ Freezes Civil Rights Cases Amid Trump-Biden Transition

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has ordered a freeze on all ongoing civil rights litigation and halted new cases, according to a memo issued Wednesday. The move, which aligns with the transition from the Biden to the Trump administration, effectively pauses the DOJ’s civil rights division until President Trump’s nominee, Harmeet Dhillon, is confirmed by the Senate.

The memo, sent to Kathleen Wolfe, the temporary head of the civil rights division, instructs attorneys to refrain from filing new complaints, motions, or settlements. It also requires the division to report any consent decrees finalized in the past 90 days to the DOJ’s chief of staff. The freeze aims to ensure the federal government speaks with “one voice” on legal matters, the memo stated.

This decision has significant implications for ongoing police reform efforts in Louisville, Kentucky, and Minneapolis, Minnesota. Both cities are awaiting judicial approval for consent decrees negotiated under the Biden administration. These agreements, which address alleged patterns of racial bias and excessive force, could now face scrutiny or reversal under the new administration.

In Louisville, a federal judge recently declined to sign a 240-page police reform plan prompted by the 2020 killing of Breonna Taylor. Judge Benjamin Beaton described the proposed decree as a rushed attempt by the Biden administration to limit the incoming Trump administration’s options. “A consent decree is not something that can be easily undone,” said Kyle Brosnan, counsel for the Oversight Project, which opposes the decree.

Similarly, in Minneapolis, a DOJ agreement reached earlier this month aims to address unconstitutional practices within the police department, including excessive force and discriminatory policing. The agreement, which follows the 2020 killing of George Floyd, remains pending judicial approval.

The Trump administration has historically opposed court-ordered consent decrees, viewing them as overreach. During his campaign, President Trump vowed to “back the blue,” signaling support for law enforcement even in cases of alleged misconduct. This stance contrasts with the Biden administration’s focus on police reform and accountability.

The DOJ has not commented on the memo or its potential impact on ongoing cases. However, legal experts note that such freezes are not uncommon during presidential transitions. “New administrations typically review pending litigation to ensure it aligns with their policy priorities,” said a former DOJ official who requested anonymity.

As the freeze takes effect, advocates for civil rights and police reform are bracing for potential setbacks. “This could derail years of progress,” said a spokesperson for the Louisville NAACP. “We urge the Senate to move swiftly on confirming a new civil rights division head who will prioritize justice and accountability.”