So, you’re looking into the US District Attorney Chicago situation. Honestly, it’s a bit of a whirlwind. If you haven't been glued to the Dirksen Federal Building news lately, things changed significantly in 2025. This isn't just about some guy in a suit; the office handles everything from the "Chapitos" of the Sinaloa Cartel to high-tech dark web busts that feel like they’re ripped from a movie script.
Most people still think the seat is empty or held by someone "acting" in the role. That was true for a long time. For two years, the office was in a weird kind of limbo after John Lausch stepped down in 2023. But as of 2026, the power dynamic in Chicago’s federal prosecution has a very specific face: Andrew S. Boutros.
Who is actually running the show?
The current United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois is Andrew S. Boutros. He took the oath on April 7, 2025.
It’s an interesting appointment because of how it happened. He was initially brought in by Attorney General Pamela Bondi under a 120-day appointment. Usually, these things go through a long, painful Senate confirmation process. But in a rare move, the U.S. District Court in Chicago—led by Chief Judge Virginia M. Kendall—stepped in and approved his appointment on a permanent basis in July 2025.
Boutros isn't new to the building. He spent nearly eight years as an Assistant U.S. Attorney before a stint in private practice at Dechert LLP. He’s also a long-time lecturer at the University of Chicago Law School. Basically, he knows the 219 S. Dearborn hallways better than almost anyone.
Why the US District Attorney Chicago matters right now
The Chicago office is the second largest in the country. It covers 18 counties and about nine million people. It’s a massive operation with over 300 employees and 145 prosecutors.
When you hear about federal agents doing raids in the Little Village neighborhood or major fraud cases involving "Ozempic" scammers, that’s this office. In early 2026, they’ve already been busy. Just this month, they charged a Chicago nurse for distributing counterfeit Ozempic. A few days later, they indicted a guy on terrorism charges for allegedly setting a passenger on fire on a CTA train.
The Sinaloa Connection
One of the biggest feathers in the office's cap recently involved Joaquin and Ovidio Guzman Lopez. If those names sound familiar, they should—they’re the sons of "El Chapo." They pleaded guilty in Chicago to massive federal drug charges. This isn't just local crime; the US District Attorney Chicago is essentially on the front lines of the international drug war because Chicago is such a major hub for cartel distribution.
The friction with the state
It’s not all handshakes and press conferences. There’s a lot of tension between the federal prosecutors and state officials.
For instance, Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul recently filed a lawsuit against the federal government. The beef? He’s claiming federal agents used "unlawful and dangerous tactics" during immigration enforcement in Illinois. This puts the U.S. Attorney’s office in a tricky spot. While Boutros has tried to position himself as "not a politician," he’s operating in a city that is fundamentally at odds with some of the federal mandates coming out of D.C.
What most people get wrong about the role
A common misconception is that the U.S. Attorney works for the Mayor or the Governor. Nope. They report to the Department of Justice.
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Another big one: people think they handle all "big" crimes. In reality, they have to be selective. They focus on cases where there’s a clear federal hook—think racketeering (RICO), crimes that cross state lines, or cases involving federal agencies like the FBI, DEA, and ATF. If a gang is operating strictly on one block with no interstate commerce involved, that’s usually a state case. But if they’re moving guns from Indiana and drugs from Mexico? Now it’s a federal problem.
Key statistics from the 2025-2026 term
- Indictment Spike: Federal criminal indictments in the Northern District of Illinois were up about 34% in 2025 compared to the previous year.
- Firearm Focus: A huge chunk of the recent docket involves "switches"—small devices that turn semi-automatic handguns into fully automatic machine guns.
- Public Corruption: The office still maintains its "Public Corruption and Organized Crime" section, which has historically been the bane of existence for many Illinois politicians.
What’s on the horizon?
Expect to see a lot more focus on "Operation Midway Blitz" and other initiatives targeting violent crime in specific neighborhoods like Little Village. Boutros has made it clear that "hand-and-glove" cooperation with local police is his priority, even if the political climate is chilly.
If you are following a specific case or need to contact the office, they have two main branches. The Eastern Division is in the Dirksen Federal Building in Chicago, and there’s a Western Division out in Rockford.
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Actionable Next Steps:
- Check the Daily Docket: If you’re tracking a specific trial, use the PACER (Public Access to Court Electronic Records) system. It’s a bit clunky but it’s the only way to get real-time filings for the Northern District of Illinois.
- Monitor Press Releases: The DOJ’s official site for the Northern District of Illinois is surprisingly updated. It’s where they drop the news on major indictments before they hit the 10 o'clock news.
- Understand the Hierarchy: Remember that while Boutros is the boss, the "First Assistant U.S. Attorney"—currently Morris Pasqual—is the one who actually manages the day-to-day internal grind of the 145 prosecutors.