Photo: Getty Images
The U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments on Tuesday (April 29) in the case of a botched FBI raid of a Black family's home in Georgia, per Newsweek.
In 2017, FBI agents raided Trina Martin's home in Atlanta, Georgia, while in search of a gang suspect. Agents pointed guns at Martin, her former partner, Toi Cliatt, and her seven-year-old son, Gabe, before realizing they were at the wrong home. The correct address was down the street from Martin's home.
Martin looked to sue the federal government in 2019 after her home was wrongfully raided. However, the U.S. government typically can't be sued due to "sovereign immunity." The Federal Tort Claims Act makes exceptions and allows certain individuals to sue the government for damages.
The 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals previously ruled that Martin's lawsuit was barred by the Supremacy Clause of the U.S. Constitution.
Now, the Supreme Court is weighing whether the federal government can be sued and face accountability for law enforcement and unwarranted raids.
On Tuesday, Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch questioned the FBI's defense.
"No policy says, 'Don't break down the door of the wrong house? Don't traumatize its occupants?'" Gorsuch asked.
Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson said Tuesday that there may be cases where law enforcement decisions should be shielded by immunity, but "Perhaps not here."
A ruling in the case is expected to be handed down in June or July.
The Black Information Network is your source for Black News! Get the latest news 24/7 on The Black Information Network. Listen now on the iHeartRadio app or click HERE to tune in live.