Illinois Senators Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth, both Democrats, on Tuesday called for the resignation of interim U.S. Attorney Andrew Boutros, citing a pattern of chaos and alleged misconduct in his office that culminated in the collapse of the high-profile “Broadview Six” case.
In a joint statement, the senators said Boutros’s tenure has been “riddled with chaos, deep internal dysfunction, and alleged misconduct,” and urged him to step down immediately. They also called for an “open, transparent, and nonpartisan search” to find a permanent replacement for the Northern District of Illinois.
The demand comes less than two weeks after federal prosecutors dropped all charges against the remaining defendants in the Broadview Six case. The Justice Department had accused six individuals—including progressive congressional candidate Kat Abughazaleh—of surrounding and damaging an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer’s SUV during a September protest outside a detention center near Chicago. Allegations of misconduct during grand jury proceedings prompted the dismissal.
Boutros’s spokesperson did not respond to a request for comment. The controversy has deepened political divides, with critics arguing the defendants were targeted due to their ties to local Democratic politics. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson have both condemned the indictments, as have numerous state lawmakers.
Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton, who is running for the Senate seat Durbin will vacate, also called for Boutros’s removal earlier. “U.S. Attorney Andrew Boutros has undermined the credibility of his office and should resign or be fired,” she said. “As the Trump Administration repeatedly attempts to use the justice system as a means of political retaliation, it’s more important than ever that professional standards are followed.”
The situation echoes broader concerns about politicization in federal prosecutions. Similar calls for accountability have emerged in other contexts, as lawmakers demand transparency in leadership roles.
Durbin, who chairs the Senate Judiciary Committee, has been a vocal critic of what he sees as weaponized justice. He recently challenged a Trump administration official over policy shifts, underscoring his focus on integrity in federal agencies.
The Broadview Six case has become a flashpoint, with Democrats accusing the Justice Department of targeting political opponents. The call for Boutros’s resignation adds to mounting pressure on the interim U.S. Attorney, who has led the office since early 2025.
As the search for a permanent U.S. Attorney begins, the controversy is likely to intensify, with both parties jockeying over the future of federal law enforcement in Illinois. The outcome could have implications for similar cases nationwide, as political battles over justice system integrity continue to unfold.
