United States Attorney Dawn N. Ison has announced her resignation, effective January 19, 2025. Reflecting on her tenure, Ison expressed gratitude to President Joe Biden and Attorney General Merrick Garland for the opportunity to lead the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Eastern District of Michigan. She also thanked U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow and Gary Peters for their support.
“Capping my years-long public service to the Eastern District of Michigan as the United States Attorney will forever serve as the crowning point of my career,” stated Ison.
Ison was nominated by President Biden on November 12, 2021, confirmed by the Senate on December 14, 2021, and sworn in on December 21, 2021. During her leadership, she focused on rebuilding community trust in law enforcement, restructuring approaches to violent crime, and enhancing civil rights practices.
In efforts to rebuild community trust, Ison engaged with communities at risk of discrimination or violence through outreach programs that included transparency about office activities and listening sessions to understand community needs.
“I sincerely hope that any legacy I leave includes empowering communities to know that they deserve to live in peaceful neighborhoods,” said Ison.
Ison prioritized reducing violent crime rates through a strategy called One Eastern District of Michigan (One EDMI), focusing on evidence-based methods and involving local stakeholders. The initiative aimed at empowering communities with tailored strategies rather than one-size-fits-all solutions.
Under this strategy, Detroit witnessed significant reductions in violent crime rates. The One Detroit subgroup saw a notable decrease in homicides by 19% from the previous year—marking historic lows since 1965—and was recognized as a national model by the Department of Justice.
The office also worked towards protecting civil rights more robustly under Ison's guidance. This included forming a new Public Corruption and Civil Rights Unit alongside vigorous prosecutions and community engagement initiatives like training over 800 community members against hate crimes as part of DOJ’s United Against Hate Initiative.
During her tenure, traditional federal crimes were addressed effectively too. Several significant cases were prosecuted successfully including bribery charges against mayors and pandemic-related fraud schemes resulting in numerous convictions.
Ms. Ison served as an Assistant United States Attorney for 19 years before becoming U.S. Attorney where she advised on policy matters impacting U.S. Attorneys’ Offices nationwide.
Following her departure under the Vacancies Reform Act, First Assistant United States Attorney Julie A. Beck will assume duties as Acting U.S. Attorney until a successor is appointed by President Biden and confirmed by the Senate.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office enforces federal criminal laws across 34 counties within Michigan's Eastern District with approximately 120 Assistant U.S Attorneys supported by around ninety staff members based out of Detroit Flint Bay City offices