The justice department’s civil rights division is undergoing a significant shift in priorities, as revealed by internal mission statements obtained by the Guardian. Led by Trump ally Harmeet Dhillon, the division is now focusing on initiatives aligning with Trump’s agenda, such as hunting for noncitizen voters and safeguarding white individuals from discrimination. This departure from the division’s traditional mission of protecting marginalized groups has raised concerns among legal experts and former officials.

The new mission statements emphasize themes like preventing voter fraud, prioritizing Trump’s executive orders, and deviating from longstanding civil rights laws like the Voting Rights Act and the Fair Housing Act. Critics view these changes as a fundamental reorientation of the division’s core responsibilities and a departure from its historical mandate.

Moreover, the justice department’s recent actions, including withdrawing from voting rights cases and terminating environmental justice settlements, reflect a broader shift towards prioritizing Trump’s political objectives over traditional civil rights enforcement. Legal experts have highlighted the potential implications of these changes and anticipate pushback from career staff within the division.

Overall, the redefined mission statements signal a significant departure from the division’s historical focus on civil rights enforcement, sparking concerns about the potential impact on marginalized communities and the rule of law. The evolving priorities underscore a broader trend of politicizing the justice department and using it as a tool to advance partisan goals rather than uphold civil rights principles.