This week, IJ scored another win in our challenge to the FBI’s illegal search and seizure of security deposit boxes at a Southern California business: A district court judge granted IJ’s motion <[link removed]> for a class action suit. Now, IJ is fighting for justice not just for our seven clients, but potentially hundreds of people whose Fourth Amendment rights were violated.

The FBI raided the U.S. Private Vaults security box company in March 2021. Despite having no reason to suspect any box holders of wrongdoing, they opened every box, recorded the contents, and attempted to seize valuables—totaling hundreds of millions of dollars—using civil forfeiture. IJ stepped in and quickly secured the return of all our clients’ property.

But the government still has highly personal records of that search. Agents video recorded the contents of the boxes, even opening sealed envelopes and holding documents up to the camera. Our class action seeks the destruction of these records on behalf of everyone whose seized property was returned.

The Fourth Amendment protects the right to be secure in one’s person and property, including when that property is stored in a rented, private place. This victory is possible because of the generous support of our donors. Please make a gift today to support our defense of vital Fourth Amendment rights and all our other work to vindicate the protections the Constitution promises to all Americans. <[link removed]>

Scott

Scott G. Bullock
President and General Counsel
Institute for Justice
Donate Today <[link removed]>

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