Lawsuit Demands Records on U.S. Immigration Enforcement’s Role in Protests Following the Killing of George Floyd

U.S. Customs and Border Protection was deployed to nationwide protests in the wake of George Floyd’s killing on May 25, 2020. Members of Congress, local officials, and the public have expressed grave concerns about CBP’s presence and questionable actions during this deployment. Given the agency’s history of civil and human rights abuses that have largely gone unchecked, and the possibility of continued deployments, there is an urgent need for further information about CBP’s participation in these law enforcement efforts. 

However, CBP has failed to disclose critical information about the deployment of its personnel and surveillance assets, and any records outlining the agency’s purported legal authority to police and surveil racial justice protests across U.S. cities. 

The American Immigration Council and partners filed a Freedom of Information Act to further the public’s understanding of CBP’s role in domestic policing. Yet the agency did not respond in the timeframe required by law.

This lawsuit seeks to compel the agency to release:

• Records to further public understanding of CBP’s participation in law enforcement efforts during the domestic protests.
• Data to understand the impact of CBP policing on individuals in the form of apprehensions, arrests, deportations, or other legal action.

The American Immigration Council filed this lawsuit with the Black Alliance for Just Immigration, ACLU of San Diego, and ACLU of Texas.