Chicago Inspector General Deborah Witzburg alleges obstruction by city's law department, seeks protection from city council
Share and Follow

CHICAGO (WLS) — Chicago’s inspector general is doubling down on a proposal that would change the way City Hall interacts with her office.

In February, Deborah Witzburg issued a memo, accusing the city’s Department of Law of repeatedly and intentionally interfering in investigations.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

The document alleges that law department “selectively acts in opposition to OIG’s investigative work when OIG’s work may result in embarrassment or political consequences to City leaders.”

In response, city council introduced legislation that would codify the inspector general’s independence, and ban the law department’s tactics of interference in investigations. However, a measure was quickly introduced to delay the ordinance.

Deborah Witzburg, Chicago’s inspector general, is now calling on the city council to protect her office from outside interference.

Witzburg also recommended changes to city law that would protect the OIG’s independence.

Mayor Brandon Johnson has opposed those changes, claiming they run counter to existing law.

But according to a legal opinion from the Better Government Association, there is no legal impediment to the proposed changes.

BGA Director of Policy Bryan Zarou joined ABC7 to discuss on Saturday.

You can read a full BGA report here.

Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
State officials and daycare manager push back on viral video fraud allegations in Minnesota

Minnesota Daycare Fraud Allegations Debunked: State Officials and Manager Defend Against Viral Video Claims

On Monday, Minnesota officials and a daycare manager refuted accusations of fraud…
Feds launch 'massive' investigation after viral video alleges Minnesota daycare fraud

Federal Authorities Initiate Major Investigation Following Viral Video on Minnesota Daycare Fraud Allegations

Federal authorities launched an extensive investigation in Minnesota on Monday, prompted by…
Backlash at 'woke' Stranger Things as 'comically bad' penultimate episode faces barrage of bad reviews

Stranger Things Faces Backlash and Review Bombing Over Alleged ‘Woke’ Agenda

The hit series Stranger Things faced a wave of negative reviews for…
Trump and Netanyahu meet in Florida at a crucial moment for the US-backed Gaza ceasefire

Trump and Netanyahu Convene in Florida Amid Pivotal US-Backed Gaza Ceasefire Discussions

PALM BEACH, Fla. — President Donald Trump is poised to meet Israeli…
Chicago Public Schools Board approves property tax hike to close budget gap

Chicago Public Schools Boosts Property Taxes: A Critical Move to Bridge Budget Deficit

In a recent decision by Chicago’s partially elected and partially appointed school…
Nicola Peltz pays tribute to late Bridget Bardot after Beckham 'dig'

Nicola Peltz Honors the Legacy of Bridget Bardot Following Beckham Comment

Nicola Peltz made her return to social media on Monday, following a…
Cheryl Hines opens up about RFK Jr. offering fake split

Cheryl Hines Discusses the Misleading Rumors of a Breakup with RFK Jr.

Cheryl Hines recently disclosed that her husband, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., suggested…
George Clooney ditches Hollywood culture for France, gains citizenship with wife and twins

George Clooney Embraces Life in France: Actor and Family Secure French Citizenship

Actor George Clooney, his wife Amal Alamuddin Clooney, and their two children…