As protests build in Minneapolis and Portland, Justice Department has dropped its 'Peacemakers' office.
The Unseen Heroes of Peace: How the Justice Department's "Peacemakers" Office Was ScrappedIn a shocking move, the Justice Department has dismantled its Community Relations Service (CRS), an office that had been working tirelessly behind the scenes to ease tensions and prevent unrest in communities across the country. Dubbed the "peacemakers," these dedicated professionals have been quietly doing their job for decades, but their efforts have now come under threat.
The CRS was formed during the civil rights era as a way to address the deep-seated distrust between law enforcement and minority communities. Over the years, this office has proven itself to be an invaluable resource in de-escalating tensions and preventing conflicts from escalating into violence. Its specialists, known as "conciliators," have been instrumental in convening forums, meetings, and dialogues that bring together community leaders, law enforcement officials, and other stakeholders to work towards a common goal: peace.
But despite its success, the CRS has now been targeted for elimination by the Trump administration. In a June 2025 report, the Justice Department cited "mission creep" as the reason for dismantling the office, claiming that it no longer aligned with the Attorney General's priorities. However, this decision has been met with widespread criticism from civil rights organizations and community leaders who have seen firsthand the impact of the CRS's work.
One former Justice Department prosecutor and Community Relations Service specialist, Julius Nam, spoke out against the decision, highlighting the importance of the office's neutral and impartial role in situations where trust between law enforcement and communities is already strained. "When we sideline peacemakers," he warned, "we all pay the price."
The CRS has a long history of success in its work to build relationships between police, local government leaders, and communities during conflicts. Its deployment to Minneapolis during the trial of Derek Chauvin was one notable example, where specialists worked for months to build trust and facilitate dialogue between community members and law enforcement officials.
But despite this track record, the Justice Department has pushed ahead with its plans to dismantle the office, citing budget cuts as a justification. The agency estimates that eliminating the CRS will save $24 million in 2026, but critics argue that this decision is short-sighted and will ultimately lead to more problems down the line.
In fact, nearly a dozen civil rights organizations and charities have filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, arguing that the dismantling of the CRS was unlawful and has disrupted critical ongoing work. The suit highlights the devastating impact of the office's closure on communities across the country, where tensions are already running high.
As one community leader noted, "The Community Relations Service was designed to help de-escalate tensions like those we see in Minneapolis and Portland, and for decades it succeeded in that mission." But with its elimination, these efforts have been severely hampered. The consequences of this decision will be felt far beyond the communities directly affected, as trust between law enforcement and minority groups continues to erode.
In a glimmer of hope, a newly introduced federal funding bill aims to allocate $20 million in funding for the CRS if approved. Support among House and Senate Democrats appears strong, but it remains to be seen whether this will be enough to reverse the damage already done.
The story of the Community Relations Service is one of quiet dedication and service to the community. These "peacemakers" have been working tirelessly behind the scenes to build trust and prevent conflict, often without recognition or reward. Their work is a testament to the power of compassion and understanding in addressing even the most deep-seated social issues.
As we reflect on this story, it's clear that the Justice Department's decision to dismantle the CRS was not just a budgetary move, but a misguided attempt to prioritize short-term gains over long-term solutions. The consequences of this decision will be felt for years to come, and it's up to us as a society to recognize the value of these "peacemakers" and work towards creating a more just and equitable future.
The fate of the Community Relations Service may be uncertain, but one thing is clear: its legacy lives on in the countless communities it has touched over the years. As we move forward, let us remember the importance of compassion, understanding, and peace in building stronger, more resilient communities for all.
