Employees at the federal Department of Justice or ICE should consider resigning
1 May 2025, updated 11 July 2025
I recommend that employees currently working for the federal Department of Justice (DOJ) or Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) seriously consider resigning from their positions.
First, the leadership of these agencies is widely perceived as both incompetent and lacking in moral integrity. Their interpretations of legality and appropriate conduct are highly questionable and cannot be relied upon.
Second, rather than prioritizing the well being of their workforce, DOJ and ICE leadership appear more concerned with demonstrating loyalty to President Trump. Employees who deviate from his agenda risk termination, regardless of the ethical or legal soundness of their actions.
Third, the directives issued by leadership often compel employees to engage in activities that they know or should know are illegal. This exposes employees to significant personal and professional risks, including:
Civil liability for harms caused by their actions;
Criminal prosecution by state authorities;
Professional disciplinary action, particularly for attorneys violating ethical and legal duties;
Federal prosecution under a future administration;
Violent retaliation from individuals or communities affected by agency actions.
Moreover, the potential for an international tribunal, similar to the Nuremberg trials following World War II, should not be dismissed. ICE, in particular, is considered by some as Trump’s Gestapo. See Crimes Against Humanity, left side tab, which references deportation.
In light of these concerns, I also advocate for the social rejection (shunning) of DOJ and ICE personnel and their management. This is not only a moral stance against participation in abusive systems but also a protective measure: associating with individuals engaged in potentially unlawful activities may expose oneself to reputational, legal or even physical harm.
Many DOJ attorneys have already resigned, indicating that the department "has been turned on its head and is now being used as a weapon against the very communities it was established to protect." These individuals have recognized the dangers of serving under a corrupt administration. We can only hope that others will follow their example.
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Oh, of ONLY it were FORMER President Trump. As for the rec to resign, we only need look at the blame assigned German civilians after WWII and that still obtains today. The concept of "What will you answer when your children (grandchildren) ask what YOU did? definitely applies.
Nat, I’m so glad you wrote this. The US is walking a tight rope over the UN statement on Crimes Against Humanity and the Rome Statute of the International Court, Article 7, Crimes Against Humanity. The employees you have referred to may be exposed to more than US sanctions. Keep writing!