Carlos Pena spent 30 years building his business. It took minutes for an L.A. SWAT team to destroy it. Now they refuse to pay damages estimated at tens of thousands of dollars. With IJ's help, Carlos is asking the #SupremeCourt to hear his case.

Policing for Profit: $82 Billion Taken Since 2000 Learn more here: https://ij.org/report/policing-for-profit-4/ #civilforfeiture #Forfeiture #PolicingforProfit #dueprocessmatters #lawstudents #PublicInterestLaw

Fighting for the right to film the police isn’t anti-police, it’s pro-accountability.

Today, the #SupremeCourt declined to hear the case of Erma Wilson, who had her life turned upside down by a conviction in which her prosecutor was on the judge’s payroll. https://ij.org/press-release/supreme-court-turns-away-texas-womans-challenge-to-bonkers-constitutional-violation/

Victory for #FreeSpeech! Yesterday afternoon, a U.S. District Court handed a big win to independent journalist Justin Pulliam after a trial last summer. 🧵

City that Used “Blight” Labels to Steal Property DEFEATED Learn more here: https://ij.org/press-release/victory-court-vacates-bogus-blight-designation-of-perth-amboy-new-jersey-properties/

This week, IJ submitted an amicus brief in the #SCOTUS case Chatrie v. United States, urging the court to recognize that the execution of a multi-step geofence warrant violated the #4thAmendment.

The ROOM Act would remove several barriers to allow for streamlining construction of new units or the conversion of current buildings into modern co-living housing helping provide a valuable tool in bringing affordability back to #RhodeIsland communities.

“I still don’t understand why I was mistaken for a criminal and treated like a violent one and I hope that now I can start to get some answers and hold the people who did this responsible.” https://ij.org/press-release/woman-suing-us-marshals-over-false-arrest-overcomes-critical-legal-hurdle/

Hamdi Mohamud was a teenager when false claims by a task-force officer put her in federal jail for nearly 2 years. Today, the #SupremeCourt declined to hear her case, ending Hamdi's yearslong fight to hold a cross-deputized task-force officer accountable.

Thanks to IJ’s win in Bailey v. Iles, the 5th Circuit rejected the outdated “falsely shouting fire in a theater” excuse for censoring speech. Now that 5th Circuit ruling could protect another Louisiana man targeted for criticizing his sheriff.

Share the love this February by doubling your impact! ❤️ Many employers match donations—find out if yours does here: https://ij.org/support/employer-match/

"Individuals seeking accountability in the courts for wrongful acts by federal officers face serious challenges. Under current law, they are, in effect, trying to unlock the courthouse door with one of four different legal keys that are either broken or don’t fit." @theunpopulist.net:

$200 Cash Rule Forces Business to Take Customers' Private Info

Rights don’t protect anyone if they can’t be enforced. IJ is working to dismantle the legal barriers that shield federal agents from accountability. Learn more about our Project on Immunity and Accountability here: https://ij.org/issues/project-on-immunity-and-accountability/

Yesterday, a federal judge sided with Norfolk, Virginia in a federal lawsuit challenging the city's warrantless use of more than 170 automated license plate reader (#ALPR) cameras. Represented by IJ, Hampton Roads residents Lee Schmidt and Crystal Arrington will appeal the decision.

Landmark Court Battle: Family Beats $1M Forfeiture Attempt On January 24, 2013, IJ won a major federal court victory against civil forfeiture. This decision set an early, important precedent reining in federal forfeiture power.

Rights don’t protect anyone if they can’t be enforced. IJ is working to dismantle the legal barriers that shield federal agents from accountability. Learn more about our Project on Immunity and Accountability here: https://ij.org/issues/project-on-immunity-and-accountability/

Eric Andre’s Warrantless Search Was No Joke

Cops overlooked obvious evidence they were at the wrong place when they raided @ij.org clients Avery Marshall & Alisa Carr's home last year. Now, they're arguing they should get qualified immunity for the wrong house raid. They shouldn't. www.law360.com/articles/243...

In America, police can’t treat an innocent teenager walking near school like an armed threat over a minor theft. And once officers realize they’ve detained the wrong person, the Constitution requires them to let him go immediately.

Historic Renters Privacy' Court Ruling While this is a monumental win for renter privacy, it still allows for unconstitutional searches without individualized probable cause. IJ plans to press forward with an appeal to end the practice once and for all.

Leo is a U.S. citizen. They tackled him. They handcuffed him. They ignored his REAL ID. Weeks later, he was detained again. Now, represented by IJ, Leo is fighting back, because if Americans must follow the law, the government must follow the Constitution. More here: ij.org/case/alabama...

TWICE in 3 Weeks: ICE Detained the Same U.S. Citizen Now, represented by IJ, Leo Garcia Venegas has filed a lawsuit against DHS in U.S. District Court. Learn more about Leo's case here: https://ij.org/case/alabama-construction-site-raids/

U.S. citizens, Leo Garcia Venegas and George Retes, were just trying to work when they got swept up in federal immigration raids. Even though both men identified themselves as U.S. citizens, multiple agents aggressively detained them—in Leo’s case two separate times and in George’s case for 3 days.

Inmates Forced to Pay for Sheriff's Slush Fund A class-action lawsuit alleges that an Iowa sheriff created a devious scheme to take money from people accused of crimes & keep it for his department. IJ is challenging a similar scheme in Brookside, AL: https://ij.org/case/brookside-alabama-fines/

✨ 2025 was a winning year for IJ and we’re already working to make 2026 even better! Thank you for standing with us.

The Institute for Justice is growing and looking for mission-driven people to join our team. We’re hiring for roles in litigation, activism, communications, development, administration, and student fellowships. Learn more at IJ.org/Careers

🎊 IJ's 2026 Resolutions 🎊 ◻️ Return to the #SupremeCourt ◻️ #EndCivilForfeiture ◻️ Fight for the #4thAmendment ◻️ Protect your right to earn an honest living ◻️ Defend #FreeSpeech ◻️ #EndQualifiedImmunity

The FBI raided the wrong home — and left an innocent family traumatized. They fought back. All the way to the Supreme Court. And they won.

Miami’s Building Permit Shakedown This is theft by extortion. It’s time to end this unconstitutional process. Learn more here: https://ij.org/case/miami-permit-takings/

If you’re wondering whether your gift matters—it does. This year, IJ launched dozens of new cases and secured 71 litigation and legislative victories. 🤎 Donate today and help us continue this work. https://ij.org/support/give-now/?utm_medium=Native+Social&utm_campaign=eoy_donate_2025

Brian Moore and Cristal Starling both lost their money to #CivilForfeiture, despite never being charged with a crime. Both fought back. Both won their cases But only one is being made whole. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_NJOTMszsJI

#LawStudents: Are you looking for a paid clerkship opportunity? ⚖️ Apply for IJ’s Dave Kennedy Fellowship (Summer 2026) and gain hands-on experience in cutting-edge civil rights litigation. Applications are now open and reviewed on a rolling basis—apply today! www.IJ.org/students

During this most joyful time of the year, IJ celebrates the Martin family's hard-fought and impactful Supreme Court victory. It is a reminder of why we fight and why your support matters. 🎄 Wishing you a joyful holiday from everyone at the Institute for Justice!

The government shouldn’t be able to demand a part of your property as a bribe to let you work on it. But that’s exactly what Miami tried to do to Navy veteran Chad Trausch. 🧵

NEW CERT PETITION: Shannon McKinnon was charged with a felony. But the case fell apart when it turned out the detective was secretly working for the complainant in the case. @ij.org is working to revive Shannon's lawsuit after the cop was given immunity. 🧵

License Plate Camera → WRONG Person Accused of Crime Thousands of cities now use #ALPRs—resulting in enormous databases that track the real-time and historic movements of innocent people, with little oversight, transparency, or accountability. Is your city? Find out at www.PlatePrivacy.com.

Constitutional rights shouldn’t depend on a person's ability to pay. That's why, at IJ, we never charge our clients a dime. ❤️ Join our fight for freedom and justice today: https://ij.org/monthly

Today we are grateful for IJ's courageous clients who stand up for the rights of all Americans, our dedicated staff who defend liberty in the courts and beyond, and our generous supporters who make this work possible. From your friends at IJ, we wish you a joyful and restful Thanksgiving! 🦃💛

Cities are using high-speed cameras to track where millions of drivers go—often with no warrant and no limits. But what does this mean for your rights? RSVP now: https://ij.org/event/the-open-road-and-the-watchful-state-automatic-license-plate-readers-and-the-fight-for-fourth-amendment-privacy/

#GeorgeRetes is a U.S. citizen and veteran. This summer, ICE agents arrested George. He was detained for 3 days, strip-searched, and forced to provide a DNA sample—all without charges, legal counsel, or being allowed to contact his family. This is his story: https://youtu.be/Y91VgKlJfLI

ICE has "created what the founders decried as a general warrant: a roving license for agents to search anyone, anywhere, at any time." - @ij.org's @detahmineh.bsky.social & Rob Frommer in @ms.now on the agency's new biometric surveillance. www.ms.now/opinion/msnb...

This summer, ICE agents arrested #GeorgeRetes, a U.S. citizen and veteran. He was detained by ICE and others for 3 days, strip-searched him and forced him to provide a DNA sample—all without charges. Now, as ICE ramps up this type of data collection, Retes & countless other Americans are at risk.

Leo is an American citizen. If being American means anything, it’s that he should be free to work without worrying the government will raid the property without a warrant & arrest him for doing nothing wrong.

Libby Souder taught swim lessons to kids in her backyard in Columbia, SC for years and she did it with the approval of the city. But last year, the city reinterpreted its rules and banned her backyard lessons. Now @ij.org is helping her fight back against abusive zoning rules.

Backyard Swim Lessons Now Illegal in This City Read more here: https://ij.org/case/columbia-south-carolina-home-swim-lessons/

This piece highlights @ij.org’s work to end qualified immunity If someone hits you with a car, shoots you, or kidnaps you, our legal system lets you sue them for money Unless they work for the government—then you’re out of luck We’re now seeing what happens when law enforcement’s above the law

Tomorrow is the DC premiere of “When Cops Become Robbers,” a powerful #CivilForfeiture documentary featuring IJ Sr. Attorney Dan Alban. Panel + reception to follow. RSVP now @cato.org!

Throughout the country, local governments are partnering with private companies to install automatic license plate reader cameras (#ALPRs) on their roadways. But IJ is fighting back against mass surveillance.