Former Chicago FBI chief sues DOJ over Broadview Six case

Douglas DePodesta, the former head of the FBI's Chicago field office, filed a federal lawsuit on Monday against the Trump administration. He alleges he was forced out of his job after a case against six anti-ICE protesters, known as the Broadview Six, fell apart.

The Guardian reports that DePodesta served as special agent in charge from 2024 until July 2026. He alleges the Department of Justice engaged in "misconduct" and "malfeasance" in pursuing unjust prosecutions. He also says it pressured him to investigate the president's political opponents. He says he was made a "scapegoat" for the department's missteps and unlawfully forced out.

The Hill reports that the suit names President Trump and other top administration officials as defendants. Its headline also names Blanche and Patel. The Hill says DePodesta alleges a federal prosecutor sought to blame him for the case's collapse, and that he was forced to resign. The outlet describes the case against the six protesters as controversial and quotes the suit as calling it "politically motivated."

The allegations are DePodesta's claims in a lawsuit. The reports do not include a response from the Justice Department or the White House.