US Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani resigns after 2 years

U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani will resign after two years as chief law enforcement officer for the Southern District of Texas (SDTX), effective midnight on Jan. 19. Hamdani was nominated by President Joe Biden and was sworn into the position in December 2022 as the first Asian American in Texas appointed by a president and Senate confirmed as U.S. Attorney. 

"Serving as the 24th Presidentially Appointed U.S. Attorney for this incredible district has been the honor of a lifetime," said Hamdani. "Over the past two years, we have made significant strides across multiple fronts, strengthening our community, upholding justice and ensuring safety for all citizens."

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Hamdani led the prosecution of more than 10,000 criminal cases and maintained a 95% conviction rate, stated in his announcement. His office targeted violent crime, cybercrime, human smuggling, and fentanyl distribution, including cases involving Mexican cartels and a historic fentanyl precursor seizure. Under his leadership, the Civil Division achieved a landmark $85 million healthcare fraud settlement and a $15 million recovery for improper billing practices, his office shared.

U.S. Attorney Alamdar Hamdani speaking at an FBI cybersecurity summit in 2023

Hamdani reportedly focused on reducing violent crime in partnership with the DOJ's Violent Crime Initiative, securing convictions against gang members and illegal firearm possessors. Efforts against human trafficking included high-profile cases such as a smuggling ring that led to the deaths of eight migrants and a woman sentenced to 30 years for forcing minors into sex work.

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Hamdani joined the SDTX in 2014, but has been with the Department of Justice since 2008.