Twin Cities leaders criticize Trump DOJ for move to scrap MPD consent decree

Yahoo

23-05-2025

A move by the Trump administration to scrap the federal consent decree requiring reforms to Minneapolis Police Department has been condemned by some city and state leaders.
The Department of Justice asked a court this week to dismiss the case against the City of Minneapolis, just months after the city finally agreed to a deal with the DOJ – then under the Biden administration – to implement changes to policing in Minneapolis in the wake of George Floyd's murder by then-Sergeant Derek Chauvin.
The Trump administration argues that it "no longer believes that the proposed consent decree would be in the public interest," despite the agreement being made following a wide-ranging federal investigation that determined Minneapolis Police Department had engaged in a pattern or practice of conduct that violates the U.S. Constitution and federal civil rights laws.
The findings included the use of excessive force, discrimination against Black and Native American people, the violation of the rights people engaged in protected speech, and discrimination against people with disabilities.
After news of the DOJ's motion to dismiss broke, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey quickly issued a statement confirming that the city would be pushing on with the reforms anyway, saying: "We will implement every reform outlined in the consent decree – because accountability isn't optional."
Changes have already been happening at MPD, which is also the subject of a state-level consent decree struck with the Minnesota Department of Human Rights, which limits officers use of force, use of chemical irritants and tasers, and the use of certain pretext stops as part of wider reforms to tackle "race-based policing" and protecting the civil rights of the community.
Here's a look at the reaction to the DOJ's filing, which came just days from the fifth anniversary of Floyd's murder:
'I am deeply disturbed by the Trump administration's decision to abandon the federal consent decree with the Minneapolis Police Department. This decree was based on the Justice Department's own investigation, which found a pattern of unconstitutional and discriminatory policing practices that have hurt our community, especially Black and Native American people and people will mental illness, for decades.
"It's especially painful that this decision comes on the eve of the fifth anniversary of George Floyd's murder – the very tragedy that sparked this investigation and the urgent push for reform. I led the call for that federal civil rights investigation because Minnesotans deserve accountability and reform. Walking away from this agreement, after confirming the need for it, is unconscionable."
The CUAPB has filed a motion in opposition to the DOJ's move to withdraw the consent decree.
"The findings in two thorough investigations by both the Minnesota Department of Human Rights and the US Department of Justice make clear the need for this consent decree. The conditions that lead to the murder of George Floyd continue to this day,' said Michelle Gross, president of CUAPB.
It adds: "It is especially outrageous that the Trump administration chose the week of the fifth anniversary of George Floyd's murder to file their motion. This is pouring salt into a wound that remains unhealed."
"We are disappointed by the U.S. Department of Justice's decision to remove its support for the federal consent decree with the City of Minneapolis. The reasoning, that there is no longer a public interest need, is short sighted and dismisses the violent and discriminatory history of the Minneapolis Police Department.
"This attempt to dismantle critical police accountability measures sends a dangerous message that meaningful reform is optional rather than essential. The consent decree was never about politics – it was about ensuring constitutional policing and rebuilding community trust that has been fractured for generations.
"Thankfully, the Minnesota Department of Human Rights will continue with its oversight agreement with the City of Minneapolis to continue transformational changes to address race-based policing by the MPD. We look forward to the efforts from the state's agreements to pursue reform that creates a police department that is focused on safety and can be held accountable for violations of civil rights law."
"While the Department of Justice walks away from their federal consent decree nearly five years from the murder of George Floyd, our Department and the state court consent decree isn't going anywhere," said Minnesota Department of Human Rights Commissioner Rebecca Lucero.
"Under the state agreement, the City and MPD must make transformational changes to address race-based policing. The tremendous amount of work that lies ahead for the City, including MPD, cannot be understated. And our Department will be here every step of the way."
"We are deeply disappointed that the federal government is abandoning its responsibility to drive reform at the Minneapolis Police Department. For years, Minneapolis community members have spoken out to make their voices heard as part of this process, and now their work and commitment have been disregarded by the federal government.
"Our communities are made safer and the interest of public safety itself is advanced when the community and their police are able to have a collaborative relationship. Sadly, this decision is not surprising, given Donald Trump's longstanding history of working against civil rights, racial justice, and police accountability.
"This reversal comes as our city marks five years since the murder of George Floyd, a tragedy that sparked a global call for lasting change. This is a setback to real progress at a time when the demand for justice and accountability remains as urgent as ever."
"It is no surprise that the Trump administration is abandoning the federal consent decree. This Administration continuously tramples on constitutional and civil rights and is perfectly willing to sacrifice public safety in order to score political points. It is particularly abhorrent that it is abandoning this consent decree on the eve of the anniversary of George Floyd's murder.
"The federal government implemented this consent decree to eliminate systemic violations of the Constitution and end violence that happened with too much frequency, especially against Black people. That should be a goal every elected representative has. Police reform isn't an attack on the police. It is a necessary step to make sure people are protected and safe."
"The recent decision by the Justice Department to withdraw from the consent decree process feels like yet another setback in our long struggle for accountability. But let us be clear: the work is not over.
"Mayor Frey and the City Council have committed to advancing police reforms without the consent decree, stating that 'accountability is not optional.' The Minneapolis Police Department and its own union leadership have acknowledged the need to rebuild trust within our community. Importantly, the state-level agreement between Minneapolis and the Minnesota Department of Human Rights requiring even more extensive police reforms remains in full effect.
"While we appreciate that these leaders say they remain committed to change, it is up to us, our community, to ensure that commitment is kept. Real accountability depends not just on promises, but on our collective vigilance."
From executive director Jaylani Hussein:
"The end of federal oversight sends the unfortunate message that the government has no interest in reforming and improving policing in Minnesota or anywhere in the country. After the numerous instances of police brutality we have seen over the past few years, the beginning of joint local and federal efforts at reform were a positive development. We urge Minneapolis authorities to continue working toward reform."