Department of Justice (DOJ) News

• The DOJ's New Data Restrictions: Protecting Privacy or Expanding Surveillance?

  Welcome back to *Inside Justice,* your go-to podcast for the latest developments from the U.S. Department of Justice. This week, the DOJ is making headlines with its impending implementation of a sweeping final rule aimed at restricting foreign access to Americans' sensitive personal data, which officially takes effect on April 8, 2025. This move follows last year's Executive Order 14117 and is part of a broader effort to protect national security.Under the new rule, transactions involving data—such as biometric, health, financial, and precise geolocation data—are prohibited with six "countries of concern," including China, Russia, and North Korea, unless specific licensing exceptions apply. Companies involved in data exchange with entities in these nations will face stringent reporting, due diligence, and compliance requirements. Violations could result in steep penalties, including fines and imprisonment. As Attorney General Pam Bondi stated, "This framework is a critical step to safeguarding Americans' privacy and strengthening our national security."This policy underscores a growing divide between the U.S. and adversarial nations. For businesses, the rule introduces operational burdens and supply chain challenges, especially for tech firms and financial institutions reliant on global data processing. For state and local governments, it signals a need for closer coordination with federal authorities on data security. And for everyday citizens, the announcement reflects a commitment to reducing privacy risks, although it raises questions about potential surveillance overreach.But data restrictions aren’t the only DOJ shake-up. The department continues to realign its enforcement focus under Bondi’s leadership. Immigration crimes, human trafficking, and transnational criminal organizations—like cartels—are now central priorities. Operation Take Back America, for example, recently charged over 960 individuals with immigration-related offenses in just one week. Federal resources are being redirected, with significant cuts to corporate-related enforcement and the dissolution of key units, such as the National Security Division’s Corporate Enforcement Unit and the task force targeting Russian oligarchs.Critics, however, argue that these changes could weaken corporate accountability and oversight. Former DOJ officials warn of “generational damage” from what they describe as politicization of the department. Liz Oyer, a former DOJ pardon attorney, has expressed deep concerns over leadership's focus on personal loyalty to the president rather than upholding justice impartially.Looking ahead, April 8 marks the start of enforcement for the DOJ’s data protection rule, while October brings stricter compliance requirements for businesses. The public can provide feedback on implementation and compliance measures by contacting the DOJ directly.That’s all for today. Keep following *Inside Justice* for updates on how these changes shape America’s legal landscape. If you have thoughts or want to engage with these policies, visit justice.gov for more details. Thanks for tuning in—stay informed and empowered!

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• DOJ Shifts Focus to Immigration, Transnational Crime, Reduces Corporate Enforcement

  Welcome to this week's Department of Justice update. Our top story: Attorney General Pamela Bondi has implemented major changes to the DOJ's national security priorities, reshaping the landscape for corporate legal risk.In a series of memos issued shortly after her confirmation, Bondi outlined new policies on charging, plea negotiations, and sentencing. The DOJ will now prioritize immigration enforcement, human trafficking, and transnational organized crime. Notably, the National Security Division's Corporate Enforcement Unit has been disbanded, signaling a reduced focus on traditional corporate enforcement.The Foreign Corrupt Practices Act Unit has been directed to prioritize investigations related to foreign bribery that facilitates criminal operations of cartels and transnational criminal organizations. This marks a significant shift from its previous focus on bribery of foreign officials by U.S. businesses to obtain or retain overseas contracts.Attorney General Bondi stated, "There is no room in plea bargaining for political animus or other hostility. Prosecutors may not use criminal charges to exert leverage to induce a guilty plea."These changes are likely to impact multinational corporations engaged in international business. Companies may need to reassess their compliance policies, particularly those aimed at preventing overseas bribery.In other developments, the DOJ has announced a Second Amendment pattern-or-practice investigation into California's Los Angeles County. This follows President Trump's mandate to end what he terms "illegal DEI policies."The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is shifting resources from alcohol and tobacco-related enforcement to "more pressing priorities such as cartels." This could lead to reduced enforcement of the Prevent All Cigarette Trafficking Act, which regulates the sale of e-cigarettes.For American citizens, these changes may result in stricter immigration enforcement and potentially increased prosecution of transnational crimes. Businesses should be aware of the shifting focus in corporate investigations and adjust their compliance strategies accordingly.State and local governments may see increased federal intervention in prosecutorial decisions, as the DOJ aims to take action against local prosecutors deemed "too soft" on crime.Looking ahead, we're expecting more details on the reconstitution and expansion of Joint Task Force Vulcan, tasked with eliminating MS-13 and other transnational gangs.For more information on these developments, visit the Department of Justice website at justice.gov. If you have concerns about these policy changes, consider contacting your local representatives or relevant industry associations.Stay informed and engaged as these new policies unfold. This has been your DOJ update for the week. Thanks for listening.

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• DOJ Shifts Focus: Cracking Down on Transnational Crime, Easing Corporate Enforcement

  Welcome to this week's DOJ Update. Our top story: The Justice Department has launched an Anticompetitive Regulations Task Force to advocate for the elimination of state and federal laws that undermine free market competition.In a significant policy shift, Attorney General Pamela Bondi has issued new directives reshaping the DOJ's priorities. The department is now focusing on combating illegal immigration, human trafficking, and transnational organized crime. Resources previously dedicated to corporate and foreign influence enforcement are being reallocated to these areas.The National Security Division has undergone major changes, including the disbanding of its Corporate Enforcement Unit and the Foreign Influence Task Force. Criminal investigations under the Foreign Agents Registration Act are now limited to cases resembling "traditional espionage."These changes reflect a reduced focus on traditional corporate enforcement. However, the DOJ's renewed emphasis on transnational crime raises new risks for businesses, especially those with international operations.The department has also implemented a new policy on charging decisions. Prosecutors are now instructed to pursue the most serious, readily provable offense in most cases. Attorney General Bondi stated, "There is no place in the decision-making process for animosity or careerism."In other news, the DOJ announced the arrest of a high-ranking MS-13 leader, underscoring its commitment to combating transnational criminal organizations. This aligns with the department's shift towards prioritizing investigations related to cartels and terrorist groups.These changes have significant implications. For citizens, it may mean stricter immigration enforcement and a renewed focus on violent crime. Businesses should be aware of potential increased scrutiny in areas related to transnational crime, while possibly seeing less enforcement in traditional corporate crime areas.State and local governments may experience more federal intervention in jurisdictions where DOJ disagrees with local prosecution policies. This could lead to tensions between federal and local law enforcement priorities.Looking ahead, we'll be watching how these policy changes play out in practice. The DOJ's new Anticompetitive Regulations Task Force is expected to begin its work soon, which could have far-reaching effects on various industries.For more information on these developments, visit the Department of Justice website at justice.gov. If you have concerns about how these changes might affect you or your business, consider reaching out to legal counsel for guidance.Stay tuned for more updates on the evolving landscape of federal law enforcement. This has been your DOJ Update. Thanks for listening.

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• "Bondi's DOJ Shifts: Combating Immigration, Limiting Corporate Enforcement"

  Welcome to this week's DOJ Update. Our top story: Attorney General Pamela Bondi has implemented major changes to the Department of Justice's national security priorities, reshaping the landscape for corporate legal risk.In a series of memos issued shortly after her confirmation, Bondi announced the disbanding of the National Security Division's Corporate Enforcement Unit and the dissolution of the KleptoCapture Task Force. These changes signal a shift away from traditional corporate enforcement and a renewed focus on combating illegal immigration, human trafficking, and transnational organized crime.The DOJ has also limited the use of the Foreign Agents Registration Act to cases resembling "traditional espionage," directing prosecutors to focus on civil and regulatory enforcement in other foreign influence cases. This move has raised concerns among some legal experts about potential gaps in oversight of foreign influence activities.In a related development, the EEOC and DOJ have issued new guidance on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion programs in the workplace. The agencies warn that certain DEI practices could violate Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 if they involve using protected characteristics in employment decisions.These policy shifts are likely to have significant impacts on businesses, particularly multinational corporations. Companies should review their compliance programs and DEI initiatives in light of these changes to ensure they align with the new enforcement priorities.The DOJ has also announced a return to a policy of charging the most serious offenses in most cases and imposed stricter limits on plea negotiations. This could lead to longer sentences and fewer plea bargains, potentially affecting defendants across the criminal justice system.Attorney General Bondi stated, "Our focus is on restoring law and order and protecting the American people from the most serious threats to our national security."Critics argue that these changes could undermine progress made in criminal justice reform. The Brennan Center for Justice warns that Project 2025, a conservative policy blueprint, could further reshape the DOJ's approach if implemented in a future administration.Looking ahead, the business community and legal experts will be closely watching how these policy shifts play out in practice. The DOJ is expected to provide further guidance on its new priorities in the coming weeks.For more information on these developments and their potential impacts, visit the Department of Justice website at justice.gov. As always, we encourage citizens to stay informed and engaged with these important policy changes that affect our justice system and national security.

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• Bondi's DOJ Overhaul: Immigration, Organized Crime to Take Center Stage

  Welcome to this week's DOJ Update. Our top story: Attorney General Pam Bondi has issued a series of policy memos that significantly reshape the Department of Justice's priorities and operations.In a sweeping overhaul, the DOJ is redirecting its focus toward combating illegal immigration, human trafficking, and transnational organized crime. This shift comes at the expense of traditional corporate enforcement efforts, with the disbanding of the National Security Division's Corporate Enforcement Unit and the Foreign Influence Task Force.The new directives also implement major changes in how cases are charged and prosecuted. Prosecutors are now instructed to pursue the most serious, readily provable offenses in most cases, with stricter limits on plea negotiations. This marks a return to a more hardline approach in criminal justice.Another significant change targets the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act Unit, which has been ordered to prioritize foreign bribery investigations related to transnational criminal organizations and drug cartels. This represents a departure from its previous focus on corporate bribery to obtain or retain business overseas.The DOJ is also taking aim at diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in the private sector. A new memo directs certain DOJ components to conduct civil and criminal investigations of private sector DEI programs, raising concerns among businesses about potential legal challenges to their diversity efforts.These policy shifts are likely to have far-reaching impacts. For American citizens, it could mean a tougher stance on immigration and violent crime, but potentially less oversight of corporate misconduct. Businesses may face increased scrutiny of their DEI programs but could see reduced enforcement in areas like foreign bribery unrelated to organized crime.State and local governments may need to reassess their cooperation with federal authorities, particularly in areas like immigration enforcement. Internationally, the changes could affect the U.S.'s approach to transnational crime and foreign influence.Attorney General Bondi stated, "The Department of Justice is the only federal agency with a name that includes a moral imperative: to do justice." She emphasized that these changes aim to refocus the DOJ on what she sees as its core mission.Critics argue that these shifts could undermine important progress made in corporate accountability and diversity initiatives. However, supporters believe they will lead to more effective law enforcement and national security efforts.Looking ahead, we can expect to see the implementation of these new policies in the coming months. The DOJ has indicated that further guidance on specific measures to target transnational organized crime will be forthcoming.For more information on these changes and how they might affect you or your organization, visit the Department of Justice website at justice.gov. If you have concerns about these policy shifts, consider contacting your congressional representatives to make your voice heard.Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops. This has been your DOJ Update for the week.

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