• The Trump administration’s Justice Department has paused new civil rights cases and is reviewing Biden-era police reform agreements, signaling a shift in priorities.
• Consent decrees in cities like Minneapolis and Louisville, tied to cases like George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, are under review, potentially delaying reforms.
• Critics warn this could stall progress on police misconduct, while the Justice Department says the pause ensures alignment with new leadership.

The Trump administration’s Justice Department has halted new civil rights litigation and indicated plans to revisit police reform agreements finalized during the Biden administration. According to internal memos obtained by The Associated Press, these moves highlight a major shift in federal civil rights priorities and oversight of law enforcement.

Civil Rights Litigation on Hold

In a memo distributed by new Chief of Staff Chad Mizelle, attorneys in the Civil Rights Division were instructed to pause filing new complaints, amicus briefs, or other court actions “until further notice.” This decision effectively freezes ongoing legal activity tied to civil rights enforcement. The stated purpose of the freeze is to ensure that the Justice Department operates with consistency and alignment under President Donald Trump’s appointees.

Police Reform Agreements Under Review

Another memo directed attorneys to report any police reform settlements or consent decrees finalized within the last 90 days under the Biden administration. The memo suggested that the Trump administration “may wish to reconsider” these agreements. Specifically, consent decrees in Louisville, Kentucky, and Minneapolis, Minnesota, are under scrutiny. Both agreements stemmed from investigations that revealed police misconduct and civil rights violations.

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These reforms, including changes to police training and use-of-force policies, still require judicial approval. The Minneapolis City Council already approved its agreement, prompted by the 2020 murder of George Floyd. Similarly, the Louisville reform plan followed a federal investigation into the fatal police shooting of Breonna Taylor and protests that ensued.

A Return to Conservative Priorities

This move marks a significant departure from the Biden administration’s approach to civil rights enforcement. During Trump’s first term, his administration limited the use of consent decrees, reflecting a more conservative approach to oversight of local law enforcement. Harmeet Dhillon, Trump’s pick to lead the Civil Rights Division, is expected to further align the department’s policies with Republican priorities. Dhillon, a prominent conservative lawyer, recently ran unsuccessfully for Republican National Committee chair.

What Comes Next?

The freeze on civil rights litigation raises questions about how long these changes will last and what impact they will have on ongoing cases. The Justice Department stated the pause allows Trump’s leadership team to evaluate new cases and ensure a unified federal stance on the law. However, critics argue that this shift could delay or derail reforms aimed at addressing systemic police misconduct.

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