The Justice Department has embarked on a comprehensive initiative to prosecute individuals accused of assaulting or obstructing federal officers amid protests against President Donald Trump's immigration and military policies. Attorney General Pam Bondi has pledged that offenders will face serious consequences, yet a review of federal prosecutions indicates significant challenges in executing this promise. An Associated Press analysis of 166 criminal cases from protests in four Democratic-led cities suggests that overzealous charging decisions often fail in court. Many initial felony charges were downgraded or dismissed, leading to a high number of cases where prosecutors could not substantiate their claims. For instance, of 100 people initially charged with felony assaults on federal agents, 55 saw their charges reduced. Video evidence and testimonies often contradicted the government's narrative, leading to the dismissal of cases. Notably, the federal authority's portrayal of protesters as 'antifa' seldom translated into formal accusations of terrorism in court. Thus far, the Justice Department has faced setbacks, losing all trials related to these misdemeanors, as highlighted by high-profile acquittals, indicating a complicated landscape for federal authorities as they navigate legal implications tied to protests.