A coalition of over 100 members of Congress has expressed concerns regarding the U.S. Department of Justice's (DOJ) apparent neglect of hate crimes, particularly those based on sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender. This response follows the DOJ's recent actions, including the cancellation of more than 370 grants from the Office of Justice Programs, which amounted to approximately $500 million. These grants supported local law enforcement, victim services, and public safety initiatives. The fiscal 2026 budget proposed by the Trump administration also seeks to eliminate funding for programs established under the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act.

The congressional representatives, led by members of the Congressional Equality Caucus and other caucuses, have urged Attorney General Pam Bondi to prioritize the enforcement of federal hate crime statutes across all marginalized communities. They noted that the DOJ appears to be prioritizing certain types of hate crimes, particularly those based on religion, while neglecting others.

Additionally, the Community Relations Service (CRS), a DOJ agency established by the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to provide conflict resolution services, has seen its staff reduced to one employee. This reduction raises concerns about the agency's ability to fulfill its statutory responsibilities, especially in light of increasing community unrest. The CRS has historically played a vital role in mediating conflicts and promoting peace in various contexts, including civil rights protests and community tensions following significant events.

In response to the CRS's dismantling, a coalition of 11 community organizations has filed a federal lawsuit in Massachusetts, seeking to prevent the agency's closure. The lawsuit highlights the importance of CRS's services in addressing hate crimes and fostering community relations. The congressional representatives have requested detailed information from Bondi regarding the status of hate crime investigations and the operational history of the CRS prior to its staff reduction.

The removal of educational resources, such as a training video on engaging with transgender communities, has also been criticized for creating gaps in law enforcement training. Advocates argue that maintaining strong relationships between law enforcement and marginalized communities is essential for effective crime prevention and response. The congressional representatives have given Bondi a 60-day deadline to respond to their inquiries.