US Justice Department Closes Cartel Task Force, Racial Tensions Office Amid Reorganization

The U.S. Justice Department, under Attorney General Pam Bondi and President Donald Trump's administration, is executing its most extensive reorganization in two decades, which includes closing the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces that targeted major drug cartels and shuttering the Community Relations Service, an office dedicated to easing racial tensions. This overhaul affects approximately 275 positions, with about 140 employees facing elimination or reassignment, and merges the Tax Division into other DOJ divisions. The DOJ states these changes aim to improve efficiency, reduce bureaucratic spending by over $11 million, and align with President Trump's goal of a more effective federal government. However, the plan has sparked criticism from congressional Democrats and former DOJ employees who warn it could undermine critical law enforcement and community outreach work. Notably, the controversial proposal to merge the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives was dropped due to bipartisan and organizational resistance. Despite the backlash and lack of explicit congressional approval, the DOJ is proceeding with these significant restructuring efforts amid broader federal government shifts prioritizing immigration enforcement over international aid and environmental regulations.