The Department of Justice is investigating the Hennepin County Attorney's policy that suggests considering a defendant's race during plea deals, which has raised concerns about potential racial discrimination. This investigation is part of a broader shift under the Trump administration, which is focusing on dismantling diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. The policy, effective since April 28, advises that resolutions should be based on a comprehensive analysis of the defendant, including their racial identity and age, although these factors should not be decisive. The DOJ's inquiry aims to determine if the county attorney's practices violate constitutional rights by illegally considering race in prosecutorial decisions. The Hennepin County Attorney's Office, although not yet having received the letter, has expressed readiness to cooperate with the investigation, asserting their policy's compliance with the law.

The DOJ is scrutinizing a policy from the Hennepin County Attorney's Office, which involves considering a defendant's race in plea agreements, as part of a racial discrimination investigation.

Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon announced the investigation, which aligns with the Trump administration's broader efforts to eliminate diversity-focused government initiatives.

The policy, which took effect on April 28, recommends considering the defendant as a whole person, including their racial identity and age, while resolving cases, but emphasizes these should not be the sole factors.

The DOJ's investigation will evaluate if the Hennepin County Attorney's practices unlawfully consider race in prosecutorial decisions, potentially depriving individuals of constitutional rights.

The Hennepin County Attorney's Office, which has not yet received the DOJ's letter, has stated it will cooperate with the investigation and believes its policy adheres to legal standards.

Harmeet Dhillon highlighted a significant number of resignations from the DOJ's Civil Rights Division, which she attributes to disagreements with the division's focus on enforcing federal civil rights laws over what she describes as 'woke ideology.'

The DOJ Civil Rights Division, established in the 1950s, remains a central body for enforcing anti-discrimination laws and is leading the investigation into the Minnesota county attorney's office.