The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) is investigating the city of Chicago, which is said to be a model of discrimination based on race, which violates the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
Harmeet K. Dhillon, Assistant Attorney General of the Department of Civil Rights Division of the Justice Department, unanimous letter to Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, informing him that investigations into civil rights violations are opening.
"Our investigation is based on information that you make recruitment decisions only on a race basis," Dhillon wrote. "In a speech delivered yesterday at the Apostolic Church of God in Woodlawn, the number of black officials in your administration."
Johnson responded to critics who claimed he only talked about hiring black people.
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Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson investigated Chicago's recruitment practices after commenting on several senior officials in his administration. (The Apostles Church of God)
He said, "No, I mean, when you hire our people, we are always looking for everyone else. We are the most generous people on the planet."
Johnson went on to list senior officials in his administration and highlighted their game.
For example, Johnson said his deputy mayor for business and economic neighborhood development is a black woman.
Other positions Johnson talks about fill in black women include Deputy Mayor of Infrastructure, Head of Budget and Commissioner of the Department of Planning and Development.
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K. Dhillon's mother is Assistant Attorney General of the Department of Justice's Civil Rights Division. (Patrick T. Fallon/AFP via Getty Images)
Johnson also highlighted that COO and senior consultant, both positions held by black people.
"You then say you are ''these positions''set' to ensure our people have the opportunity to grow their business," Dhillon wrote to Johnson. "With these remarks, I have authorized an investigation to determine whether the City of Chicago is engaged in the above-mentioned model or practice of discrimination.
She added: “If such a recruitment decision is to be made for top positions in the government, it raises the question whether it is also a decision made for lower-level positions.”
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Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson answered a question at a press conference. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast, File)
Dhillon stressed that no conclusion was drawn on the matter and she welcomed his investigation assistance.
Johnson's office did not respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment about the investigation.
The mayor of Chicago has made comments based on competitions in the past.
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After President Donald Trump was elected for his second term, Johnson claimed in a press conference that the new president posed a threat to black families in his city.
"His threat is not only a threat to newcomers and undocumented families. His threat is also directed at black families," Johnson said. "We will protect blacks, browns, Asians. Even who is in the White House, the city of Chicago will still be better, stronger and safer."
Fox News's Patrick McGovern and Elizabeth Heckman contributed to the report.