Watchdog Group Files Ethics Complaint Against Acting AG Todd Blanche
National watchdog files ethics complaint with New York Bar against Acting AG Todd Blanche over Tennessee prosecution that judge ruled vindictive.
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE — A national watchdog group has filed an ethics complaint against Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, alleging he violated professional conduct rules during the Tennessee prosecution of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, who was cleared of criminal charges last week after a federal judge ruled the case was vindictive.
The Campaign for Government Accountability submitted the complaint to the New York Bar, requesting an investigation into Blanche’s conduct during the investigation and prosecution of Abrego Garcia, according to court filings. The complaint stems from a case that was dismissed by a federal judge who found the prosecution had been vindictive.
Abrego Garcia, a Maryland resident, gained national attention last year when he fought against wrongful deportation to an El Salvador prison, highlighting the Trump administration’s mass deportation tactics. He was later indicted in Tennessee on human smuggling charges in May.
Ethics Violations Alleged
The 11-page complaint accuses Blanche, who was serving as Deputy Attorney General at the time of the prosecution, of being directly involved in the decision to investigate and prosecute Abrego Garcia in Tennessee following his high-profile deportation case.
According to the complaint, Blanche engaged in a “breach of his ethical obligations,” “serious abuse of public office,” and “potentially violated numerous rules of professional conduct” for political ends.
“There are few authorities remaining who stand between Mr. Blanche and the weaponization of the justice system to serve the president’s political will,” the complaint stated.
Judge Previously Ruled Prosecution Vindictive
The ethics complaint cites findings from the federal judge who dismissed the criminal case against Abrego Garcia last week. The judge concluded that the prosecution had been vindictive, leading to the dismissal of all charges.
Abrego Garcia was photographed arriving at a downtown Nashville courthouse with his wife, Jennifer Vasquez Sura, for a February 26, 2026 hearing during the proceedings.
“Failing to discipline Mr. Blanche under these egregious circumstances will embolden others who would use our system of justice for their own political ends,” the watchdog group’s complaint continued.
Department of Justice Response
A spokesperson for the Department of Justice did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Wednesday regarding the ethics complaint filed against Blanche.
The complaint represents the latest development in a case that has drawn scrutiny over the intersection of immigration enforcement and federal prosecution practices. Blanche’s role in the case has now prompted formal ethics allegations as the Campaign for Government Accountability seeks professional disciplinary action.
