Two former FBI agents involved in the investigation into efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election, known internally as “Arctic Frost,” filed a lawsuit on March 19, 2026, challenging their recent terminations. The agents, identified as John Doe 1 and John Doe 2, contend they were fired without cause as political retaliation, citing FBI Director Kash Patel and Attorney General Pam Bondi as responsible for the actions.
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The lawsuit alleges that both agents were abruptly dismissed last fall within a five-day span, shortly after unredacted internal documents from the Arctic Frost investigation were shared with Congress. According to the complaint, their terminations occurred “without evidence,” an internal investigation, notice, or hearing, contravening FBI policy that requires cause—such as misconduct or inability to perform duties—for removing non-probationary agents.
Both agents had received exemplary performance reviews and outside commendations. The suit asserts that their roles in the probe were primarily administrative and that they adhered to Department of Justice policies “without bias or political motives.” It further argues that termination based on a perceived lack of political support for former President Donald Trump is unlawful and violates the agents’ First and Fifth Amendment rights.
FBI Director Patel addressed related criticism during a House committee hearing on the same day, rejecting claims that personnel actions amounted to political retaliation. Patel emphasized the size of the bureau’s workforce and stated that terminations targeted individuals who were “weaponizing law enforcement.”
The lawsuit adds to a series of wrongful termination claims from former FBI employees alleging politically motivated dismissals linked to sensitive investigations. The FBI Agents’ Association criticized the removals as “erratic and arbitrary retribution,” underscoring concerns that such actions may undermine the bureau’s independence and operational integrity. The FBI and Department of Justice declined to comment on the lawsuit.
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