DOJ investigates Chicago over possible Civil Rights Act violations in Mayor Brandon Johnson’s hiring practices.

Federal Scrutiny on Chicago Hiring Practices

The U.S. Department of Justice has opened a civil rights investigation into the City of Chicago, citing potential violations of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 tied to alleged race-based hiring practices within Mayor Brandon Johnson’s administration. The investigation was confirmed in a letter sent Monday by Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon to Mayor Johnson.

According to the letter, the DOJ’s Civil Rights Division is pursuing the inquiry based on statements made by Johnson during a recent appearance at the Apostolic Church of God in Chicago’s Woodlawn neighborhood. There, the mayor responded to criticism about his emphasis on hiring Black officials by stating that “when you hire our people, we always look out for everybody else.” He proceeded to list several key positions in his administration currently held by Black individuals.

These include his deputy mayor for business and economic neighborhood development, deputy mayor of infrastructure, budget director, and commissioner of the department of planning and development—all of whom are Black women. He also identified his chief operations officer and senior advisor as Black men.

“You then said that you were ‘laying’ these positions ‘out’ to ‘ensure that our people get a chance to grow their business,’” Dhillon wrote in the letter. “Considering these remarks, I have authorized an investigation to determine whether the City of Chicago is engaged in a pattern or practice of discrimination as set forth above.”

The DOJ’s inquiry seeks to determine whether race-based hiring decisions at senior levels are reflective of broader practices within the city government, including among lower-level positions. While acknowledging that no conclusions have been reached, Dhillon emphasized the department’s interest in Johnson’s cooperation with the probe.

Mayor's Past Remarks Under Renewed Focus

Mayor Johnson’s rhetoric around racial representation in his administration has garnered attention before. Following President Donald Trump’s reelection, Johnson made comments during a press conference that framed Trump as a direct threat to minority communities in Chicago.

“His threat is not just towards new arrivals and undocumented families. His threats are also against Black families,” Johnson said at the time. “We’re going to protect Black folks, Brown folks, Asian folks. The City of Chicago will be better, stronger and safer despite who’s in the White House.”

As of this report, Mayor Johnson’s office has not responded to requests for comment regarding the DOJ’s newly launched investigation. The probe could have significant implications for municipal governance and civil rights oversight in one of the nation’s largest cities.

The DOJ’s investigation will continue to examine whether the mayor’s hiring practices constitute a “pattern or practice of discrimination,” a legal standard that could result in federal enforcement actions should violations be confirmed. The outcome may shape future municipal hiring protocols and broader debates over race-conscious policymaking in government.