In a dramatic reversal of federal civil rights oversight, the U.S. Department of Justice announced its withdrawal from consent decrees with the police departments of Minneapolis, Minnesota, and Louisville, Kentucky. These agreements were originally designed to enforce systemic reforms in law enforcement practices after national outrage over the deaths of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor in 2020. The decision, made under the leadership of the Trump administration, signals a significant policy shift that could reshape the landscape of police accountability in the United States.
The consent decrees in both cities were initiated during the Biden administration following investigations that found extensive violations of constitutional rights by local police. In Minneapolis, the DOJ’s findings revealed patterns of excessive use of force, unlawful discrimination, and persistent racial disparities in policing. Similarly, in Louisville, the investigation uncovered frequent instances of unconstitutional stops, searches, and the use of force, particularly targeting Black residents.
Under these agreements, both cities committed to a range of reforms, including enhanced training, new oversight mechanisms, improved community engagement practices, and stricter use-of-force policies. Independent monitors were appointed to oversee progress and ensure transparency throughout the process. For many residents and civil rights advocates, these decrees represented long-overdue efforts to rebuild trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve.
However, in May 2025, Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon, now overseeing the Civil Rights Division under President Trump, announced that the DOJ would no longer be enforcing these agreements. Dhillon argued that the consent decrees rested on “legally questionable foundations” and that their continuation would pose challenges in court. The administration has signaled a broader preference for limiting federal intervention in local governance, particularly in matters involving law enforcement.
The move has sparked a wave of criticism from activists, legal experts, and some local officials. Critics argue that removing federal oversight risks halting progress on crucial reforms and sends a troubling message about the federal government’s commitment to civil rights. Organizations like the NAACP Legal Defense Fund and the ACLU have expressed deep concern, warning that the decision may embolden resistance to reform efforts in other jurisdictions with histories of police misconduct.
Despite the federal retreat, local officials in Minneapolis and Louisville have vowed to continue implementing the reforms outlined in the original agreements. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey reaffirmed the city’s commitment, noting that the consent decree was more than a legal document—it was a promise to the city’s residents. The Minnesota Department of Human Rights, which has a separate settlement with the Minneapolis Police Department, also confirmed its ongoing role in enforcing police reform.
In Louisville, Mayor Craig Greenberg announced that the city will retain its own independent monitor to oversee reforms. Greenberg emphasized that the city is determined to uphold the principles of transparency, accountability, and community engagement, regardless of federal involvement. City leaders hope that maintaining these efforts will continue to build public trust and prevent future abuses.
While the DOJ’s withdrawal marks a shift in federal policy, the legacy of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor continues to drive change at the local level. Community organizations and activists are pressing forward, demanding structural changes to ensure that police departments serve all residents fairly and without bias. The future of police reform in these cities may now depend more heavily on state and local leadership—and on the continued advocacy of citizens determined to see justice done.
