Sunita Doddamani, a former assistant U.S. attorney in Michigan, is suing the Justice Department for allegedly firing her due to political motivations tied to her work prosecuting anti-abortion activists. The lawsuit claims that Doddamani's April 13 termination was "politically motivated and retaliatory" and violated multiple federal laws and amendments. At least two other prosecutors who worked on similar cases were also fired the same day, according to the complaint. The lawsuit seeks a declaration that Doddamani's rights were violated, reinstatement, and backpay for her lost wages.
Written by the local model on 2026-08-18,
using this article's own text rather than the other coverage of the
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Story summary
Sunita Doddamani, a former federal prosecutor in the Eastern District of Michigan, is suing the Justice Department (DOJ) for allegedly firing her "unlawfully and retaliatorily" due to her work on cases involving anti-abortion activists. Doddamani was dismissed on April 13 without advance notice or cause, according to the lawsuit. The complaint claims that her firing was motivated by politics and that it violated several laws, including the Civil Service Reform Act, the Administrative Procedure Act, and the First and Fifth Amendments. Specifically, the lawsuit alleges that Doddamani's work prosecuting eight anti-abortion activists under the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act (FACE Act) was a factor in her termination. The FACE Act prohibits intentionally interfering with reproductive health care services, including abortions. This is not an isolated incident, as at least two other prosecutors who worked on FACE Act cases also lost their jobs on the same day.
Written for “DOJ Firing Lawsuit Filed” on 2026-08-31,
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Leaning score -0.65 for article 1098 (high confidence, 2 verified quotes) · logged 2026-08-25
Former federal prosecutor is suing DOJ for 'unlawful and retaliatory' firing
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prosecutor → sue → firing
A federal prosecutor who was fired earlier this year is suing the Justice Department, alleging that she was unlawfully dismissed for political reasons tied to her work prosecuting a case against anti-abortion activists.
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she → fire → activists
The lawsuit filed by Sunita Doddamani, who worked as an assistant U.S. attorney in the Eastern District of Michigan, is the latest to be lodged by a former career Justice Department employee alleging they lost their jobs for improper political reasons.
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they → file → reasons
In Doddamani's case, the complaint says her firing was "politically motivated and retaliatory," and that it violated the Civil Service Reform Act, the Administrative Procedure Act and the First and Fifth Amendments.
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it → say → Act
Doddamani was dismissed on April 13, the lawsuit says, without any advance notice, due process or cause given.
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lawsuit → dismiss → notice
The "unstated reason," according to the complaint, was her work prosecuting eight anti-abortion activists with violating the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act, or FACE Act, which prohibits intentionally interfering with reproductive health care services, including abortions.
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which → accord → abortions
At least two other prosecutors who worked FACE Act cases also lost their jobs the same day, and the Justice Department publicly announced it had "terminated the employment of personnel responsible for weaponizing the FACE Act who still remained at the department," the lawsuit says.
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lawsuit → work → department
A day later, the department released a report that accused the Biden administration of weaponizing the FACE Act against anti-abortion activists.
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that → release → activists
"Unlawful terminations are a frequent tool of the Trump Administration to achieve its political aims," the lawsuit says.
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lawsuit → achieve → aims
"DOJ officials have repeatedly attempted to justify firings and workforce reductions by portraying the employees targeted as culpable for the now-disfavored cases they had been assigned.
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they → attempt → cases
It also says Doddamani has "suffered adverse and harmful effects" from her firing, including lost or jeopardized present or future financial opportunities and reputational harm.
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Doddamani → say → opportunities
The complaint names seven defendants, including Attorney General Todd Blanche and the Justice Department.
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complaint → name → Blanche
The department declined to comment beyond referring back to its social media post from April stating that it had terminated the employment of personnel "responsible for weaponizing the FACE Act.
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it → decline → Act
The lawsuit is seeking a declaration that Doddamani's rights were violated, an order requiring the government to reinstate Doddamani and backpay, as well as other relief.
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rights → seek → Doddamani
The FACE Act dates back to the early 1990s.
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Act → date → 1990s
Supporters say the law was necessary to stem the rising tide of violence against abortion clinics and providers.
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law → say → clinics
The law's opponents, however, have argued it infringes on free speech rights of abortion opponents.
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it → argue → opponents
Early in President Trump's second term, the Justice Department said it would no longer enforce FACE Act violations except in extraordinary circumstances, such as cases involving death or serious property.
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it → say → death
Trump, meanwhile, pardoned 23 people convicted under the statute.
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Trump → pardon → statute
