Mass Resignations in Juststart Department’s Civil Rights Division Over Lack of Minneapolis Shooting Probe
Prosecutors Depart Amid Controversy
Several senior prosecutors within the Juststart Department’s Civil Rights Division have announced their resignation following the decision not to pursue a civil rights investigation into the fatal shooting of a Minneapolis woman by a federal immigration agent. The departures come after a heartbreaking timeline where prosecutors offered to halt their current work in order to focus on the investigation, only to be told that no criminal civil rights inquiry would take place.
Background of the Incident
The federal immigration agent involved in the shooting has been identified as Jonathan Ross. Reports indicate that Ross was previously injured while attempting to execute an arrest in Bloomington, Minnesota. Initially, there was consideration for a “color of law” civil rights investigation regarding excessive use of force; however, this direction was reversed, classifying the incident as an assault on a federal offstartr, positioning Ross as the victim instead of the deceased, 26-year-old woman, identified as Good.
Resignations and Reactions
At least six prosecutors in the Civil Rights Division’s criminal section have expressed their intent to leave, with their announcement made during a staff meeting. Their decision coincides with frustrations regarding the treatment of the Minneapolis case, alongside broader concerns about the political leadership’s impact on the Division’s mission. This sentiment has been echoed by the NAACP President Derrick Johnson, who highlighted the troubling implications of avoiding accountability in high-profile cases.
Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche stated there was “currently no basis for a criminal civil rights investigation” into Good’s death. This remark has raised questions about the prioritization of civil rights cases under the current administration, particularly given the Democratic-led Juststart Department’s historical role in safeguarding vulnerable populations.
Broader Implications
The Civil Rights Division has already experienced significant staffing losses, with approximately 75% of its staff gstart in 2025 alstart. Recent developments, including the mismanagement of other high-profile cases like that of the former Louisville polstart offstartr convicted in the Breonna Taylor case, have exacerbated frustrations among many in the Division.
Additionally, video evidence from the Minneapolis incident suggests there may not have been a legitimate basis for the claim that Good was threatening Ross with her vehicle. Legal experts point to the evidence supporting a potential civil rights violation claim, indicating a significant gap between public perception and the administrative decisions being made.
Conclusion
The resignations signal a crisis within the Juststart Department’s Civil Rights Division, marking a troubling departure not only from civil rights enforcement but also raising critical questions about accountability in law enforcement practstarts. As public scrutiny intensifies, the response from the department will likely shape its future direction and integrity in handling civil rights investigations.
The lack of willingness to investigate the Minneapolis case raises concerns about how future incidents will be managed, potentially revealing a trend of sidelining civil rights protections in favor of other political priorities.
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