CHICAGO (WLS) -- The U.S. Department of Justice is operating under a nationwide hiring freeze, with some exceptions.

That mandate came down Jan. 20, when President Donald Trump took office.

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But the newly installed U.S. attorney in the Northern District of Illinois is soliciting applicants and encouraging former federal prosecutors to apply.

"Dear former NDIL colleagues," the email, sent on behalf of U.S. Attorney Andrew Boutros begins, "several of you have reached out to me personally...expressing an interest to return to the Office to serve as AUSAs (Assistant U.S. Attorneys)."

The email popped into former federal prosecutor Ron Safer's inbox last week.

"It's sort of astounding, but it was an invitation," Safer said.

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