Former Chicago FBI chief sues over forced resignation

Douglas DePodesta, the former special agent in charge of the FBI’s Chicago field office, filed a wrongful termination lawsuit in U.S. District Court on Monday, alleging he was constructively terminated by top Justice Department officials. DePodesta, who left his post in early July, stated in an interview that his departure was not voluntary and resulted from a behind-the-scenes conflict with Chicago U.S. Attorney Andrew Boutros.

The eight-count complaint names Boutros, Attorney General Todd Blanche, and FBI Director Kash Patel, accusing them of misconduct and violating DePodesta’s constitutional rights. The suit centers on “Operation: Midway Blitz,” a contentious immigration enforcement effort in Chicago that began in September 2025. DePodesta alleges the operation led to politically motivated prosecutions and that he was ordered to open investigations into individuals with political views opposing the Trump administration.

DePodesta is seeking reinstatement to his position, back pay, and monetary damages. He claims that when he refused to follow what he described as political orders, he was told he had to leave or be fired. The lawsuit cites an internal memo in which DePodesta told his staff that his departure was a consequence of his refusal to back down from a fight for the FBI’s mission.

Read the full story at nbcchicago.com.