Ex-FBI Chicago Chief DePodesta Sues Justice Department Over Resignation
Douglas DePodesta alleges federal officials pressured him to step down after blaming him for the dismissal of the Broadview Six charges.
By Matthew Brooks ·
Douglas DePodesta, the former head of the FBI’s Chicago Field Office, filed a federal lawsuit on Monday seeking reinstatement and back pay after his resignation earlier this year.
DePodesta sued U.S. Attorney Andrew Boutros, FBI Director Kash Patel, Attorney General Todd Blanche, the FBI, and the Justice Department in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. The complaint contends that Boutros told other officials DePodesta sabotaged the Broadview Six case. It further claims Boutros accused DePodesta of improperly working with his sister-in-law, Nancy DePodesta, who represented one of the defendants, to undermine the prosecution. DePodesta denies these allegations.
The lawsuit states that these claims led FBI leaders to pressure DePodesta to resign. The Broadview Six case involved six individuals charged following a protest outside the Broadview immigration facility in September 2025. Prosecutors dismissed the charges due to misconduct, an action the complaint attributes in part to Boutros.
DePodesta brings claims of defamation and violations of his constitutional rights and federal employment protections. He is asking the court to order his reinstatement and award back pay and damages.
