The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) fired several analysts related to the preparation of a controversial 2023 intelligence memo that warned of a possible threat of extremism linked to certain sectors of traditionalist Catholicism. The move comes under the direction of Kash Patel, appointed by President Donald Trump, and adds to a series of internal changes that have sparked debate about the agency's independence.

Among those fired, as reported by the AP, are four intelligence analysts and a supervisor who participated in the preparation of the document produced by the FBI office in Richmond, Virginia. According to his lawyer, David Laufman, the decision is “manifestly unfair” and contradicts the institution's usual procedures.

A report that sparked a political storm

The memorandum was prepared in January 2023 and examined possible links between groups defined as “radical traditionalist Catholics” and people with extremist tendencies motivated by racial or ethnic reasons.

When the document was made public, it provoked strong criticism from Republican legislators, who used it as an example of what they considered ideological persecution against conservative sectors during Joe Biden's administration.

The then-FBI leadership quickly withdrew the report and ordered an internal review. Likewise, former Attorney General Merrick Garland said he was “dismayed” by the content of the document.

Internal reviews found no bad faith

Various subsequent investigations concluded that the analysts made methodological errors and did not adequately follow intelligence analysis standards. However, both an internal FBI review and a Justice Department inspector general report released in 2024 determined that there was no evidence of malicious conduct or improper intent.

Reports said the document created the mistaken impression that the FBI was investigating people for their religious affiliation, something prohibited by the agency's constitutional and operational principles.