Key takeaways from the article:

• FBI Agents' Association appeals to Congress against mass firings of agents involved in January 6 investigations.
• Concerns raised regarding possible political retribution by Trump-appointed officials at the Justice Department.
• Detailed questionnaires have been issued to agents to report their involvement in related cases.

On February 3, 2025, the Associated Press reported that advocacy groups representing FBI agents have formally appealed to congressional leaders to prevent potential mass firings amidst rising scrutiny of agents who participated in the investigation of the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot. The letter, signed by leaders of the FBI Agents Association — which represents over 14,000 current and retired agents — expresses urgent concerns about the impact of actions taken by Trump-appointed officials at the Justice Department that threaten the careers of countless agents.

The association noted that many agents who risked their lives protecting the nation are now facing possible repercussions for carrying out orders. Over the weekend, agents were instructed to complete a detailed questionnaire outlining their involvement in the Capitol riot probes. The letter urges congressional leaders to collaborate with President Trump to prevent acting officials from implementing personnel decisions that could politicize the Bureau’s operations. "These actions, which lack transparency and due process, are creating dangerous distractions, imperiling ongoing investigations," the association emphasizes in their communication.

Moreover, scrutiny of the Justice Department's personnel moves has fueled fears among agents, especially after numerous reassignments and dismissals of senior officials under the Trump administration. In a separate matter, Democrats of the Senate Judiciary Committee have sent letters to Trump's nominees for leadership within the FBI and Justice Department, calling for records related to the removal of career officials. They contend that these decisions may serve as retribution against those perceived as opposing the president, as highlighted in their letter led by Senator Dick Durbin, according to Reuters.

This appeal to Congress by FBI agents reflects ongoing tensions between federal law enforcement and the political landscape, raising critical issues about civil service protections in times of political strife.

For further details, visit the full articles from Reuters, South China Morning Post, and the Associated Press.