By John Q. Hosedrinker 
More than a dozen federal prosecutors in Minnesota have resigned in protest of the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement policies. This exodus, triggered in part by the Department of Justice’s refusal to investigate the killings of U.S. citizens by immigration agents, has significantly depleted the office’s staff. The departing attorneys also raised concerns about being pressured to rush charges and the lack of consideration for the conduct of federal agents. This has led to a reduction in the experienced legal staff available to handle cases, with the office now relying on less experienced attorneys and facing an influx of wrongful detention cases.
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It seems there’s a significant shake-up happening in Minnesota, with a substantial number of prosecutors reportedly quitting or announcing their departure from the Department of Justice. Fourteen prosecutors leaving or signaling their exit is quite the exodus, and the narrative framing it as a blow to Pam Bondi, suggesting she’s facing “fresh humiliation,” is certainly a strong one. However, the prevailing sentiment appears to be that this situation might not be the humiliation it’s being portrayed as for Bondi herself.
Many seem to believe that the very concept of humiliation is foreign to individuals like Bondi, suggesting she lacks the capacity for such feelings due to a perceived absence of shame, self-respect, or empathy. The argument is that if someone is inherently devoid of these qualities, they simply cannot be embarrassed or humbled by events. This perspective posits that she might even welcome these departures, viewing them as an opportunity rather than a setback.
The idea is that these resignations clear the path for Bondi to appoint loyalists and “yes-men” to fill the vacancies. This move would align with a strategy of purging positions of individuals who aren’t fully committed to a particular agenda, ensuring that those who remain are ideologically aligned and compliant. It’s seen as a deliberate tactic to consolidate power and ensure loyalty within the department, rather than a sign of weakness or defeat on Bondi’s part.
Some observers are drawing parallels between this situation and a playbook allegedly employed by figures in Hungary, where, by acting deplorably, the aim is to drive out decent individuals from government. This, in turn, leaves positions open for the more corrupt or loyal individuals who are willing to advance a specific, and potentially self-serving, agenda. The concern is that this isn’t about losing talent, but about strategically replacing it with people who will unquestioningly follow directives.
There’s a strong sense that the Department of Justice, in this context, is being transformed into something akin to a “Department of Injustice,” where the focus shifts from upholding legal principles to serving a political project. The departure of experienced prosecutors is seen as a loss for the integrity of the system, creating openings that will likely be filled by those who prioritize loyalty over competence or ethical conduct.
The numbers being discussed are stark: fewer than 20 attorneys are reportedly staffing Minnesota’s entire criminal division, a significant drop from the at least 50 who worked on criminal cases in prior years. This reduction in personnel is viewed not as a crisis for the leadership, but as a facilitator of their objectives. The concern is that these roles will be filled by individuals recruited from institutions that may prioritize ideological alignment over rigorous legal practice, potentially leading to a less effective or even compromised legal system.
The notion that these prosecutors are “doing more harm than good by resigning” is also a recurring theme. The suggestion is that by staying in their positions, they could have resisted or inhibited the actions of the administration from within. Resigning, in this view, creates a vacuum that is quickly filled by those more amenable to the administration’s goals, thereby exacerbating the problem rather than solving it.
Instead of humiliation, some suggest Bondi might see this as an “easy mode” scenario. By having individuals leave voluntarily, she avoids the need for potentially contentious firings and can simply bring in people who are already eager to serve the administration’s agenda. This would streamline the process of staffing the department with individuals who are willing to carry out directives without question.
The ethical implications of this situation are a significant point of discussion. It’s argued that Bondi, or anyone in a similar position, could not operate as they do if they possessed any significant moral or ethical compass. This lack of personal integrity is seen as the very reason why they would not be susceptible to feelings of humiliation. The focus is on the perceived character of the leadership rather than the structural implications of the staff exodus.
There’s a prevailing sentiment that while the resignations are a consequence of principled stands by the departing prosecutors, the ultimate outcome benefits those in power. The concern is that these individuals will be replaced by “shameless yes men” or “willing accomplices” who will readily abuse the legal system to advance a specific political agenda, rather than uphold justice.
The argument that “humiliation is only felt by people who have self respect and empathy” strongly resonates across these observations. Without these qualities, the capacity to feel shame or embarrassment is rendered nonexistent. Therefore, events that might deeply affect someone with a conscience are unlikely to have any impact on individuals perceived to be operating without one.
The idea that this is part of a larger, pre-planned strategy is also being voiced. References to “Project 2025” suggest that driving out individuals with opposing viewpoints and installing loyalists is a deliberate tactic to reshape government institutions in line with a particular ideology. The resignations, in this context, are not an unexpected disruption but a predictable and desired outcome of this long-term plan.