Nine former FBI employees dismissed in connection with the investigation into former President Donald Trump’s retention of classified documents have filed a lawsuit seeking reinstatement, alleging their terminations were politically motivated. The complaint was submitted Thursday in a federal court in Washington, representing agents, intelligence analysts, and operations specialists who were among several dismissed in February.

The firings followed earlier removals of FBI personnel involved in inquiries into Trump’s attempts to overturn his 2020 presidential election defeat to Joe Biden. Under the leadership of FBI Director Kash Patel, the agency has conducted a broad review and reorganization of personnel tied to these investigations, actions Patel has defended as necessary to address perceived biases within the bureau.

In congressional testimony, Patel accused the dismissed employees of having “weaponized” the FBI, suggesting their conduct was politically motivated. The lawsuit counters this characterization, emphasizing that the group collectively amassed over a century of service marked by nonpartisan dedication. Their resumes cite involvement in critical national security operations, including responses to the Boston Marathon bombing, hostage recovery missions, and the investigation into the 2024 attempt on Trump’s life in Butler, Pennsylvania.

The plaintiffs argue that dismissing them has caused an “immeasurable loss” to national security by removing experienced agents who acted in accordance with their duties. They maintain their terminations were retaliatory measures aimed at punishing staff who performed investigations that conflicted with the Trump administration’s interests.

This legal action joins a growing series of challenges related to the sweeping personnel changes at the FBI under Patel’s directorship. Supporters of the dismissals frame them as necessary to reform an agency they view as politicized, while critics highlight concerns about undermining institutional independence and compromising operational effectiveness.

The case adds to ongoing debates over the balance between internal accountability and political influence within federal law enforcement agencies, raising questions about the future handling of politically sensitive investigations. No court date has been announced.