Key facts
- Douglas DePodesta, head of the FBI's Chicago field office, is leaving his post.
- DePodesta was reportedly told to retire by FBI leadership.
- He cited a conflict over supporting the FBI's mission as the reason for his departure.
- The FBI's official X account stated that those not aligned with the current FBI leadership are free to leave.
The head of the FBI’s Chicago field office, Douglas DePodesta, is abruptly leaving his position after being told to retire, according to sources familiar with the situation. DePodesta, who has served as special agent in charge for nearly two years, informed colleagues that his last day would be Monday.
DePodesta alluded in his farewell message to a conflict that he suggested precipitated his departure, stating, “Unfortunately, that has proved unpopular over time and my departure is a consequence of that.” This move is described as part of a broader effort by FBI Director Kash Patel to remove agents and supervisors perceived as not supporting the Trump administration's agenda.
The FBI’s official social media account on X responded to news of DePodesta's departure by stating, “It’s simple: Anyone who is not on board with THIS FBI under the leadership of President Trump — which has achieved the lowest murder rate ever — is free to leave.”
DePodesta joined the FBI in 2002 and previously held senior roles at FBI headquarters, as well as in Detroit and Memphis, before taking the Chicago post in August 2024. His departure comes amid ongoing scrutiny of law enforcement in Chicago, including a review of over 1,000 grand jury presentations by Illinois prosecutors following a misconduct-related case dismissal.