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'Complete 180': How the DOJ has redefined its civil rights mission and targeted California
By Ben Wieder at Los Angeles Times - California
· July 19, 2026
· 1 min read
California has been the target of more civil rights actions than any other state. The civil rights division is led by California-native Harmeet Dhillon.
Key takeaway The civil rights division is led by California-native Harmeet Dhillon.
Why this matters in The Los Angeles
The Department of Justice's increased focus on California in its civil rights mission has significant implications for the state's residents. As the state with the most civil rights actions, Californians will likely feel the effects of these changes more directly than any other group. The fact that the civil rights division is led by a California native, Harmeet Dhillon, adds a layer of complexity to the situation, as she may have a deeper understanding of the state's specific issues and challenges. This could lead to more targeted and effective actions, but also raises questions about potential biases and how they may influence the division's decisions. Californians will be watching closely to see how these actions impact their communities and daily lives, particularly in areas such as education, employment, and law enforcement. The state's diverse population and history of social and political activism make it a unique testing ground for the DOJ's redefined mission.
About this story
Original reporting by Los Angeles Times - California . The Los Angeles surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit Los Angeles Times - California . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 19, 2026 ·
Source: Los Angeles Times - California ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? California has been the target of more civil rights actions than any other state. The civil rights division is led by California-native Harmeet Dhillon.
When was this published? This article was first published on July 19, 2026 by Los Angeles Times - California and curated for The Los Angeles readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Ben Wieder at Los Angeles Times - California. To learn more about how The Los Angeles selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Los Angeles, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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