The Inspector General has launched an investigation into the bogus arrest of Portland lawyer Brandon Mayfield last August, purportedly based on a fingerprint the FBI said connected him to the Spain train bombings:

The Mayfield investigation is focusing on how the fingerprint error was made and also on a complaint by Mayfield that the "FBI inappropriately conducted a surreptitious search of his home ... potentially motivated by his Muslim faith and ties to the Muslim community," according to Fine's report. The Justice Department's Office of Professional Responsibility also is investigating the actions of prosecutors in the Mayfield case.

The inspector general's investigation was disclosed in a twice-a-year report to Congress on potential civil rights and civil liberties abuses by Justice Department officials. A copy of the report was obtained by The Associated Press on Monday, a day ahead of its scheduled public release.

All of our Mayfield coverage is accessible here.