Case: Morales v. United States

1:17-cv-05052 | U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia

Filed Date: Dec. 11, 2017

Closed Date: Oct. 13, 2020

Clearinghouse coding complete

Case Summary

This suit, filed on Dec. 11, 2017, challenged the legality of a series of immigration raids in the Atlanta area. The complaint stated that, in response to a 2015 U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) directive titled "Operation Border Resolve," U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) targeted families from El Salvador, Honduras, and Guatemala living in nine major U.S. cities, including Atlanta. As part of the directive, the complaint alleged, ICE agents were to be trained on the Fou…

This suit, filed on Dec. 11, 2017, challenged the legality of a series of immigration raids in the Atlanta area. The complaint stated that, in response to a 2015 U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) directive titled "Operation Border Resolve," U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) targeted families from El Salvador, Honduras, and Guatemala living in nine major U.S. cities, including Atlanta. As part of the directive, the complaint alleged, ICE agents were to be trained on the Fourth Amendment: "[I]f they claim to be a member of local law enforcement during a ruse, the agents must notify the local law enforcement agency beforehand."

The complaint argued that, in Jan. 2016, ICE officers used ruses to gain entry into the homes of noncitizens, then arrested and detained them without probable cause or search warrants. The plaintiffs argued that ICE violated the Fourth Amendment and committed false imprisonment, trespass, negligence, and intentional and negligent infliction of emotional distress, under Georgia state law and the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA). They sought damages and declaratory relief. This case was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia. After Judge Clarence Cooper was recused, the case was reassigned to Judge Steve C. Jones on Dec. 13.

The plaintiffs, first represented by the Southern Poverty Law Center and later by private counsel, were three families with members who were citizens of various Central American countries. In one instance, ICE officers pulled over one named plaintiff while he was driving, without citing any traffic violation. The officers indicated that the plaintiff had to let them search his home, as they believed a criminal suspect was located there, or else the plaintiff risked obstructing a criminal investigation. The officers claimed to have a warrant but did not show it, and repeatedly threatened the plaintiff. Fearing arrest, but denying any such criminal suspect was in his home, the plaintiff went back to his home with them but agreed they would wait outside while he obtained identification cards of the people residing inside. The ICE officers then forcefully entered the home and eventually arrested the plaintiff's wife for missing an immigration court date, which the family claimed had not happened. ICE detained her and some of her children for a month.

In the case of another family, ICE officers once again attempted to enter into the home by claiming there was a criminal suspect there. The agents did not have a warrant, nor did they make clear they were ICE officers. Upon entering the house, they arrested and detained members of the family. Additionally, in the case of the third family, ICE officers once again gained entry into the home with no search warrant by claiming there was a criminal suspect. In each case, the plaintiffs suffered significant emotional distress after they were released from custody.

On Feb. 16, the defendants moved to dismiss. The defendants argued that the district court lacked jurisdiction under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) and Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act (IIRIRA) because the alleged conduct arose from removal proceedings and lay within the Immigration Courts' jurisdiction. The defendants also disputed that the FTCA applied because the removal orders, arrests, and detentions were lawful.

On Aug. 6, 2018, the court (Judge Steve C. Jones) granted the motion to dismiss as to the non-citizen plaintiffs and denied it without prejudice as to the citizen plaintiffs (three minor children). The court held that 8 U.S.C. § 1252(g) and the INA barred it from adjudicating the merits of non-citizen removal orders, but not from adjudicating citizen removal orders. The court found that the non-citizen plaintiffs' claims that they were detained through misrepresentations and disregard for policy ultimately challenged detention methods in the execution of removal orders, and so § 1252(g)'s jurisdictional limits applied.

The plaintiffs filed an amended complaint on Sept. 4, 2018. On Sept. 18, the defendants moved to dismiss, arguing that the plaintiffs failed to state a claim for relief and that punitive damages, attorneys’ fees, and declaratory relief are not available under the FTCA.

On Aug. 28, 2019, Judge Steve Jones granted the motion to dismiss with regard to plaintiffs' claims for trespass, negligence, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and negligent infliction of emotional distress along with the claims for punitive damages, attorney's fees, and declaratory relief. Unable to conclude that removal orders are essentially equivalent to arrest warrants, however, Judge Jones denied the motion to dismiss as to plaintiffs' claim for false imprisonment.

In March 2020, the parties had a dispute about an offer of judgment. The defendants claimed that they made an offer for judgment of $15,000 total while the plaintiffs believed they had accepted an offer of judgment for $15,000 for each of nine plaintiffs. On March 23, Judge Jones directed the clerk to strike plaintiffs' acceptance and the case continued into discovery.

On August 12, 2020, the plaintiffs Y.S.G.R. and J.I.G.R moved the court to approve the disbursement of settlement funds on their behalf. The exact disbursement amount was redacted, but each plaintiff received less than $15,000. The court granted this motion the next day.

Subsequently, the case proceeded in regards to plaintiff J.A.M, although it terminated with respect to the two plaintiffs who accepted the settlement agreement. But on October 13, 2020, the parties reached an agreement. The case was then closed and dismissed with prejudice.

Summary Authors

Virginia Weeks (1/14/2018)

Ava Morgenstern (4/8/2018)

Virginia Weeks (9/5/2018)

Claire Shimberg (4/22/2020)

Lily Sawyer-Kaplan (9/9/2021)

People

For PACER's information on parties and their attorneys, see: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6294242/parties/jam-v-united-states/


Judge(s)

Jones, Steve CarMichael (Georgia)

Attorney for Plaintiff

Banias, Bradley (South Carolina)

Graybill, Lisa S. (Louisiana)

Attorney for Defendant

Mendel, Gabriel Adam (Georgia)

Pak, Byung J. (Georgia)

show all people

Documents in the Clearinghouse

Document

1:17-cv-05052

Docket [PACER]

J.A.M. v. The United States of America

Oct. 13, 2020

Oct. 13, 2020

Docket
1

1:17-cv-05052

Complaint

Morales v. The United States of America

Dec. 11, 2017

Dec. 11, 2017

Complaint
12

1:17-cv-05052

Defendant's Motion to Dismiss

Feb. 16, 2018

Feb. 16, 2018

Pleading / Motion / Brief
17

1:17-cv-05052

Order

Aug. 6, 2018

Aug. 6, 2018

Order/Opinion
18

1:17-cv-05052

First Amended Complaint

J.A.M. v. The United States of America

Sept. 4, 2018

Sept. 4, 2018

Complaint
23

1:17-cv-05052

Order

J.A.M. v. The United States of America

U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Georgia

Aug. 28, 2019

Aug. 28, 2019

Order/Opinion
40

1:17-cv-05052

Order

J.A.M. v. The United States of America

U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Georgia

March 23, 2020

March 23, 2020

Order/Opinion

Resources

Docket

See docket on RECAP: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6294242/jam-v-united-states/

Last updated April 2, 2024, 3:18 a.m.

ECF Number Description Date Link Date / Link
1

COMPLAINT, filed by J.A.M., Lesly Padilla Padilla, Juan Mijangos Vargas, Salvador Alfaro, Y.S.G.R, Rosa Vargas Morals, E.D.N.P., Johana Guiterrez, Juneidy Mijangos Vargas, Carlos Rene Morales, E.I.N.P., J.I.G.R., D.M.V.. ( Filing fee $ 400 receipt number 113E-7557215.) (Attachments: # 1 Civil Cover Sheet)(bnw) Please visit our website at http://www.gand.uscourts.gov/commonly-used-forms to obtain Pretrial Instructions which includes the Consent To Proceed Before U.S. Magistrate form. (Entered: 12/11/2017)

1 Civil Cover Sheet

View on PACER

Dec. 11, 2017

Dec. 11, 2017

RECAP
2

Electronic Summons Issued as to The United States of America. (Attachments: # 1 Summons Jefferson Sessions)(bnw) (Entered: 12/11/2017)

1 Summons Jefferson Sessions

View on PACER

Dec. 11, 2017

Dec. 11, 2017

PACER
3

APPLICATION for Admission of Bradley Banias Pro Hac Vice (Application fee $ 150, receipt number 113E-7558960)by Salvador Alfaro, D.M.V., E.D.N.P., E.I.N.P., Johana Guiterrez, J.A.M., J.I.G.R., Juneidy Mijangos Vargas, Carlos Rene Morales, Rosa Vargas Morals, Lesly Padilla Padilla, Juan Mijangos Vargas, Y.S.G.R. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Werner, Daniel) (Entered: 12/11/2017)

Dec. 11, 2017

Dec. 11, 2017

PACER
4

APPLICATION for Admission of Lisa Graybill Pro Hac Vice (Application fee $ 150, receipt number 113E-7563459)by Salvador Alfaro, D.M.V., E.D.N.P., E.I.N.P., Johana Guiterrez, J.A.M., J.I.G.R., Juneidy Mijangos Vargas, Carlos Rene Morales, Rosa Vargas Morals, Lesly Padilla Padilla, Juan Mijangos Vargas, Y.S.G.R. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Werner, Daniel) (Entered: 12/13/2017)

Dec. 13, 2017

Dec. 13, 2017

PACER
5

ORDER OF RECUSAL. Judge Clarence Cooper recused. Case reassigned to Judge Steve C Jones for all further proceedings NOTICE TO ALL COUNSEL OF RECORD: The Judge designation in the civil action number assigned to this case has been changed to 1:17-cv-5052-SCJ. Please make note of this change in order to facilitate the docketing of pleadings in this case. Signed by Judge Clarence Cooper on 12/13/2017. (dob) (Entered: 12/13/2017)

Dec. 13, 2017

Dec. 13, 2017

PACER

RETURN of 3 APPLICATION for Admission of Bradley Banias Pro Hac Vice (Application fee $ 150, receipt number 113E-7558960) to attorney for correction. Residential address. (jkm)

Dec. 20, 2017

Dec. 20, 2017

PACER

APPROVAL by Clerks Office re: 4 APPLICATION for Admission of Lisa Graybill Pro Hac Vice (Application fee $ 150, receipt number 113E-7563459). Attorney Daniel Werner added appearing on behalf of Carlos Rene Morales (jkm)

Dec. 20, 2017

Dec. 20, 2017

PACER
6

APPLICATION for Admission of Bradley Banias Pro Hac Vice by Salvador Alfaro, D.M.V., E.D.N.P., E.I.N.P., Johana Guiterrez, J.A.M., J.I.G.R., Juneidy Mijangos Vargas, Carlos Rene Morales, Rosa Vargas Morals, Lesly Padilla Padilla, Juan Mijangos Vargas, Y.S.G.R. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Werner, Daniel) (Entered: 12/21/2017)

Dec. 21, 2017

Dec. 21, 2017

PACER
7

Return of Service Executed by J.A.M., Lesly Padilla Padilla, Juan Mijangos Vargas, Salvador Alfaro, Y.S.G.R, Rosa Vargas Morals, E.D.N.P., Johana Guiterrez, Juneidy Mijangos Vargas, Carlos Rene Morales, E.I.N.P., J.I.G.R., D.M.V.. All Defendants. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A: Return Receipt, Proof of Service on U.S. Attorney, N.D. Ga.)(Werner, Daniel) (Entered: 12/21/2017)

1 Exhibit A: Return Receipt, Proof of Service on U.S. Attorney, N.D. Ga.

View on PACER

Dec. 21, 2017

Dec. 21, 2017

PACER
8

ORDER granting 4 Application for Admission Pro Hac Vice for Petitioner Lisa Graybill. Signed by Judge Steve C Jones on 12/27/2017. (rjs) (Entered: 12/27/2017)

Dec. 27, 2017

Dec. 27, 2017

PACER

APPROVAL by Clerks Office re: 6 APPLICATION for Admission of Bradley Banias Pro Hac Vice. Attorney Daniel Werner added appearing on behalf of Salvador Alfaro, D.M.V., E.D.N.P., E.I.N.P., Johana Guiterrez, J.A.M., J.I.G.R., Juneidy Mijangos Vargas, Carlos Rene Morales, Rosa Vargas Morals, Lesly Padilla Padilla (jkm)

Jan. 3, 2018

Jan. 3, 2018

PACER
9

ORDER granting 6 Application for Admission Pro Hac Vice for Petitioner Bradley Banias. Signed by Judge Steve C Jones on 1/4/2018. (rjs) (Entered: 01/04/2018)

Jan. 4, 2018

Jan. 4, 2018

PACER

Clerks Certificate of Mailing to Bradley Banias re 9 Order on Application for Admission PHV. (rjs)

Jan. 4, 2018

Jan. 4, 2018

PACER
10

Return of Service Executed by J.A.M., Lesly Padilla Padilla, Juan Mijangos Vargas, Salvador Alfaro, Y.S.G.R, Rosa Vargas Morals, E.D.N.P., Johana Guiterrez, Juneidy Mijangos Vargas, Carlos Rene Morales, E.I.N.P., J.I.G.R., D.M.V.. All Defendants. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A: Proof of Service, United States Attorney General)(Werner, Daniel) (Entered: 01/04/2018)

1 Exhibit A: Proof of Service, United States Attorney General

View on PACER

Jan. 4, 2018

Jan. 4, 2018

PACER
11

ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER STAYING CIVIL PROCEEDINGS IN LIGHT OF LAPSE OF APPROPRIATIONS. Signed by Judge Thomas W. Thrash, Jr on 1/22/2018. (rjs) (Entered: 01/22/2018)

Jan. 22, 2018

Jan. 22, 2018

PACER
12

MOTION to Dismiss with Brief In Support by The United States of America. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A - Vargas Orders of Removal, # 2 Exhibit B - Gutierrez Orders of Removal, # 3 Exhibit C - Padilla Orders of Removal)(Mendel, Gabriel) (Entered: 02/16/2018)

1 Exhibit A - Vargas Orders of Removal

View on PACER

2 Exhibit B - Gutierrez Orders of Removal

View on PACER

3 Exhibit C - Padilla Orders of Removal

View on PACER

Feb. 16, 2018

Feb. 16, 2018

PACER
13

Consent MOTION for Extension of Time to File Response to the Defendant's Motion to Dismiss re: 12 MOTION to Dismiss with Brief In Support by Salvador Alfaro, D.M.V., E.D.N.P., E.I.N.P., Johana Guiterrez, J.A.M., J.I.G.R., Juneidy Mijangos Vargas, Carlos Rene Morales, Rosa Vargas Morals, Lesly Padilla Padilla, Juan Mijangos Vargas, Y.S.G.R. (Attachments: # 1 Brief in support of motion)(Banias, Bradley) (Entered: 02/23/2018)

1 Brief in support of motion

View on PACER

Feb. 23, 2018

Feb. 23, 2018

PACER
14

ORDER granting 13 Motion for Extension of Time. The deadline for Plaintiffs to file a response to Defendant's 12 Motion to Dismiss is extended through and including March 16, 2018. The parties are advised that all future consent and/or joint motions must be accompanied by a proposed order. Signed by Judge Steve C Jones on 2/27/2018. (rjs) (Entered: 02/27/2018)

Feb. 27, 2018

Feb. 27, 2018

PACER
15

RESPONSE re 12 MOTION to Dismiss filed by Salvador Alfaro, D.M.V., E.D.N.P., E.I.N.P., Johana Guiterrez, J.A.M., J.I.G.R., Juneidy Mijangos Vargas, Carlos Rene Morales, Rosa Vargas Morals, Lesly Padilla Padilla, Juan Mijangos Vargas, Y.S.G.R. (Banias, Bradley) (Entered: 03/16/2018)

March 16, 2018

March 16, 2018

PACER
16

REPLY to Response to Motion re 12 MOTION to Dismiss filed by The United States of America. (Mendel, Gabriel) (Entered: 03/30/2018)

March 30, 2018

March 30, 2018

PACER

Submission of 12 MOTION to Dismiss to District Judge Steve C Jones. (rjs)

March 30, 2018

March 30, 2018

PACER
17

ORDER: Defendant's 12 Motion to Dismiss is GRANTED as to Plaintiffs Carlos Rene Morales, Rosa Vargas Morales, Juan Mijangos Vargas, Juneidy Mijangos Vargas, D.M.V., Salvador Alfaro, Johana Gutierrez, Lesly Padilla Padilla, E.D.N.P. and E.I.N.P., and DENIED WITHOUT PREJUDICE TO REFILE as to Plaintiffs J.A.M., Y.S.G.R., and J.I.G.R. The remaining Plaintiffs shall replead their Complaint (in accordance with the instructions herein) within thirty days of the entry of this order. Signed by Judge Steve C. Jones on 8/6/2018. (rjs) (Entered: 08/06/2018)

Aug. 6, 2018

Aug. 6, 2018

PACER
18

First AMENDED COMPLAINT against The United States of America filed by J.A.M., Y.S.G.R, J.I.G.R..(Banias, Bradley) Please visit our website at http://www.gand.uscourts.gov/commonly-used-forms to obtain Pretrial Instructions and Pretrial Associated Forms which includes the Consent To Proceed Before U.S. Magistrate form. (Entered: 09/04/2018)

Sept. 4, 2018

Sept. 4, 2018

PACER
19

MOTION TO DISMISS FOR FAILURE TO STATE A CLAIM with Brief In Support by The United States of America. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A - Vargas Orders of Removal, # 2 Exhibit B - Gutierrez Orders of Removal)(Mendel, Gabriel) (Entered: 09/18/2018)

1 Exhibit A - Vargas Orders of Removal

View on PACER

2 Exhibit B - Gutierrez Orders of Removal

View on PACER

Sept. 18, 2018

Sept. 18, 2018

PACER
20

RESPONSE in Opposition re 19 MOTION TO DISMISS FOR FAILURE TO STATE A CLAIM filed by Johana Gutierrez, J.A.M., J.I.G.R., Juneidy Mijangos Vargas, Y.S.G.R. (Banias, Bradley) (Entered: 10/02/2018)

Oct. 2, 2018

Oct. 2, 2018

PACER
21

REPLY to Response to Motion re 19 MOTION TO DISMISS FOR FAILURE TO STATE A CLAIM filed by The United States of America. (Mendel, Gabriel) (Entered: 10/16/2018)

Oct. 16, 2018

Oct. 16, 2018

PACER

Submission of 19 MOTION TO DISMISS FOR FAILURE TO STATE A CLAIM to District Judge Steve C. Jones. (rjs)

Oct. 17, 2018

Oct. 17, 2018

PACER
22

Administrative Order Staying Civil Proceedings in Light of Lapse of Appropriations. Signed by Judge Thomas W. Thrash, Jr. on 12/26/2018. (rjs) (Entered: 12/27/2018)

Dec. 26, 2018

Dec. 26, 2018

PACER
23

ORDER: Defendant's 19 Motion to Dismiss Plaintiff's First Amended Complaint is GRANTED in part and DENIED in part. More specifically, Defendant's motion is granted as to Plaintiffs' claims for trespass, negligence, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and negligent infliction of emotional distress, as well as the claims for punitive damages, attorney's fees, and declaratory relief. The motion is denied as to Plaintiffs' claim for false imprisonment. Defendant shall file its answer in accordance with the requirements of Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 12 and applicable law. Signed by Judge Steve C. Jones on 8/28/2019. (rjs) (Entered: 08/29/2019)

Aug. 28, 2019

Aug. 28, 2019

PACER
24

Consent MOTION for Extension of Time to File Answer re 18 Amended Complaint, with Brief In Support by The United States of America. (Mendel, Gabriel) (Entered: 09/10/2019)

Sept. 10, 2019

Sept. 10, 2019

PACER
25

ORDER granting 24 Motion for Extension of Time to Answer. The United States of America shall be granted an extension of time to file an Answer through and including November 1, 2019. Signed by Judge Steve C. Jones on 9/10/2019. (rjs) (Entered: 09/10/2019)

Sept. 10, 2019

Sept. 10, 2019

PACER
26

Joint MOTION to Stay with Brief In Support by The United States of America. (Mendel, Gabriel) (Entered: 10/17/2019)

Oct. 17, 2019

Oct. 17, 2019

PACER
27

ORDER granting 26 Motion to Stay. All deadlines in this matter are stayed until 12/16/2019. Signed by Judge Steve C. Jones on 10/18/2019. (rjs) (Entered: 10/18/2019)

Oct. 18, 2019

Oct. 18, 2019

PACER
28

Joint MOTION to Stay with Brief In Support by The United States of America. (Mendel, Gabriel) (Entered: 12/19/2019)

Dec. 19, 2019

Dec. 19, 2019

PACER
29

ORDER granting 28 Motion to Stay. All deadlines in this matter are stayed until March 1, 2020. Signed by Judge Steve C. Jones on 12/19/2019. (rjs) (Entered: 12/20/2019)

Dec. 19, 2019

Dec. 19, 2019

PACER
30

NOTICE of Appearance by Jacob Rhein on behalf of Johana Guiterrez, Johana Gutierrez, J.I.G.R., Y.S.G.R (Rhein, Jacob) (Entered: 02/27/2020)

Feb. 27, 2020

Feb. 27, 2020

PACER
31

MOTION to Substitute Attorney Jacob D. Rheinby Johana Guiterrez, Johana Gutierrez, J.I.G.R., Y.S.G.R. (Rhein, Jacob) (Entered: 02/27/2020)

Feb. 27, 2020

Feb. 27, 2020

PACER
32

ANSWER to 18 Amended Complaint by The United States of America. Discovery ends on 7/30/2020.(Mendel, Gabriel) Please visit our website at http://www.gand.uscourts.gov to obtain Pretrial Instructions. (Entered: 03/02/2020)

March 2, 2020

March 2, 2020

PACER
33

MOTION to Substitute Attorney Carlos Polancoby D.M.V., E.D.N.P., E.I.N.P., J.A.M., Juneidy Mijangos Vargas, Carlos Rene Morales, Rosa Vargas Morals, Lesly Padilla Padilla, Juan Mijangos Vargas, Juneidy Mijangos Vargas. (Polanco, Carlos) (Entered: 03/03/2020)

March 3, 2020

March 3, 2020

PACER
34

(STRICKEN PER ORDER AT DOC. 40 )NOTICE of Acceptance of Offer of Judgment by Juneidy Mijangos Vargas, Rosa Vargas Morales, Carlos Rene Morales, Juan Mijangos Vargas, D.M.V., J.A.M., Lesley Padilla Padilla, E.I.N.P., and E.D.N.P. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A: Offer of Judgment, # 2 Exhibit B: Acceptance and Proof of Service, # 3 Text of Proposed Order)(Banias, Bradley) Modified on 3/24/2020 (rjs). (Entered: 03/10/2020)

March 10, 2020

March 10, 2020

PACER
35

RESPONSE re 34 Notice of Acceptance of Offer of Judgment, filed by The United States of America. (Mendel, Gabriel) (Entered: 03/11/2020)

March 11, 2020

March 11, 2020

PACER
36

RESPONSE re 34 Notice of Acceptance of Offer of Judgment, Supplemental Response filed by The United States of America. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A)(Mendel, Gabriel) (Entered: 03/12/2020)

March 12, 2020

March 12, 2020

PACER
37

Consent MOTION to Withdraw Jacob Rhein as Attorneyby Johana Guiterrez, J.I.G.R., Y.S.G.R. (Rhein, Jacob) (Entered: 03/16/2020)

March 16, 2020

March 16, 2020

PACER
38

REPLY re 36 Response, 35 Response filed by D.M.V., E.D.N.P., E.I.N.P., J.A.M., Juneidy Mijangos Vargas, Carlos Rene Morales, Rosa Vargas Morals, Lesly Padilla Padilla, Juan Mijangos Vargas, Juneidy Mijangos Vargas. (Banias, Bradley) Modified on 3/18/2020 (rjs). (Entered: 03/17/2020)

March 17, 2020

March 17, 2020

PACER

Submission of 31 MOTION to Substitute Attorney to District Judge Steve C. Jones. (rjs)

March 18, 2020

March 18, 2020

PACER

Submission of 33 MOTION to Substitute Attorney to District Judge Steve C. Jones. (rjs)

March 19, 2020

March 19, 2020

PACER
39

General Order 20-01 re: COURT OPERATIONS UNDER THE EXIGENT CIRCUMSTANCES CREATED BY COVID-19 AND RELATED CORONA VIRUS. Signed by Judge Thomas W. Thrash, Jr. on 03/16/2020. (rvb) (Entered: 03/20/2020)

March 20, 2020

March 20, 2020

PACER
40

ORDER: The Court DIRECTS the Clerk to strike the Notice of Acceptance at Doc. No. 34 . Because Plaintiffs possibly face an order of costs at a later date, in the interest of caution, the Court will permit Plaintiffs an additional FOURTEEN DAYS from the entry of this Order to file a consistent written notice accepting the offer that accords with the Court's ruling, above and in accordance with the plain language of the United States' offer of judgment. Discovery in this case begins on APRIL 2, 2020. The attorneys of record are ORDERED to confer and file a joint preliminary report/proposed scheduling order within TEN DAYS of the entry of this Order. Signed by Judge Steve C. Jones on 3/23/2020. (rjs) (Entered: 03/24/2020)

March 23, 2020

March 23, 2020

PACER
41

ORDER granting 31 Motion to Substitute Attorney. Attorney Daniel Werner; Bradley Bruce Banias and Lisa S Graybill terminated. Signed by Judge Steve C. Jones on 3/27/2020. (rjs) (Entered: 03/27/2020)

March 27, 2020

March 27, 2020

PACER
42

ORDER granting 37 Motion to Withdraw as Attorney. Attorney Jacob Rhein terminated. Plaintiff Johana Gutierrez is ORDERED pursuant to Local Rule 83.1(E)(4) to notify this Court in writing within fourteen (14) days of the date of this Order of her new counsel or of her intention to proceed pro se. Plaintiff must also provide the Court with the current telephone number and address of her new counsel or of her current telephone number and address if she is proceeding pro se. The Clerk is DIRECTED to submit this matter to the undersigned if Plaintiff fails to comply. Signed by Judge Steve C. Jones on 3/27/2020. (rjs) (Entered: 03/27/2020)

March 27, 2020

March 27, 2020

PACER

Clerk's Certificate of Mailing as to Johana Gutierrez re 42 Order. (rjs)

March 27, 2020

March 27, 2020

PACER
43

ORDER granting 33 Motion to Substitute Attorney. Carlos Polanco is substituted as counsel for Daniel Werner in the above captioned case for the following Plaintiffs: Rosa Vargas Morales, Carlos Rene Morales, Juan Mijangos Vargas, Juneidy Mijango Vargas, D.M.V., J.A.M., Lesley Padilla Padilla, E.I.N.P., and E.D.N.P. Further, Mr. Polanco will act as local counsel for both attorneys appearing pro hac vice in this case, Bradley Banias and Lisa Greybill. Signed by Judge Steve C. Jones on 3/27/2020. (rjs) (Entered: 03/27/2020)

March 27, 2020

March 27, 2020

PACER

Clerk's Certificate of Mailing as to Johana Gutierrez re 43 Order. (rjs)

March 27, 2020

March 27, 2020

PACER
44

Joint MOTION for Extension of Time to extend deadline for Joint Preliminary Report and Discovery Plan with Brief In Support by The United States of America. (Mendel, Gabriel) (Entered: 04/01/2020)

April 1, 2020

April 1, 2020

PACER
45

ORDER granting 44 Motion for Extension of Time. It is ORDERED that the deadline for filing the parties' Joint Preliminary Report and Discovery Plan is extended until 4/10/2020. Signed by Judge Steve C. Jones on 4/1/2020. (rjs) (Entered: 04/01/2020)

April 1, 2020

April 1, 2020

PACER

Clerk's Certificate of Mailing as to Johana Gutierrez re 45 Order. (rjs)

April 1, 2020

April 1, 2020

PACER
46

Amended General Order 20-01 re COURT OPERATIONS UNDER THE EXIGENT CIRCUMSTANCES CREATED BY COVID-19 AND RELATED CORONA VIRUS. Signed by Judge Thomas W. Thrash, Jr. on 3/30/20. (mmc) (ADI) (Entered: 04/02/2020)

April 2, 2020

April 2, 2020

PACER

Clerk's Certificate of Mailing as to Johana Gutierrez re 46 Notice (Other). (rjs)

April 2, 2020

April 2, 2020

PACER
47

JOINT PRELIMINARY REPORT AND DISCOVERY PLAN filed by The United States of America. (Mendel, Gabriel) (Entered: 04/10/2020)

April 10, 2020

April 10, 2020

RECAP
48

SECOND AMENDMENT TO GENERAL ORDER 20-01 RE: COURT OPERATIONS UNDER THE EXIGENT CIRCUMSTANCES CREATED BY COVID-19 AND RELATED CORONA VIRUS. Signed by Judge Thomas W. Thrash, Jr. on 04/30/2020. (rvb) (ADI) (Entered: 05/04/2020)

May 4, 2020

May 4, 2020

PACER

Clerk's Certificate of Mailing as to Johana Gutierrez re 48 Notice (Other). (rjs)

May 5, 2020

May 5, 2020

PACER
49

MOTION for Sanctions with Brief In Support by Juneidy Mijangos Vargas. (Attachments: # 1 Memorandum In Support, # 2 Exhibit A: Mediation Agreement)(Banias, Bradley) (Entered: 05/05/2020)

May 5, 2020

May 5, 2020

PACER

NOTICE OF ZOOM VIDEO PROCEEDING: Status Conference set for 5/14/2020 at 10:30 AM before Judge Steve C. Jones. Connection Instructions: Join ZoomGov Meeting https://ganduscourts.zoomgov.com/j/1608560852 Meeting ID: 160 856 0852 Password: 348282 One tap mobile +16692545252,,1608560852#,,1#,348282# US (San Jose) +16468287666,,1608560852#,,1#,348282# US (New York) Dial by your location +1 669 254 5252 US (San Jose) +1 646 828 7666 US (New York) Meeting ID: 160 856 0852 Password: 348282 Find your local number: https://ganduscourts.zoomgov.com/u/abDCmQ6IDK Join by SIP 1608560852@sip.zoomgov.com Join by H.323 161.199.138.10 (US West) 161.199.136.10 (US East) Meeting ID: 160 856 0852 Password: 348282 You must follow the instructions of the Court for remote proceedings available here. Photographing, recording, or broadcasting of any judicial proceedings, including proceedings held by video teleconferencing or telephone conferencing, is strictly and absolutely prohibited. (pdw)

May 5, 2020

May 5, 2020

PACER
50

SCHEDULING ORDER: re: 47 Joint Preliminary Report and Discovery Plan. The parties' request for an extended discovery period beginning June 1, 2020 is DENIED. Discovery in this matter will commence on May 11, 2020 conclude on September 11, 2020. Any motions for summary judgment or the proposed consolidated pretrial order must be filed on or before October 11, 2020. If a motion for summary judgment is filed, the proposed consolidated pretrial order must be filed within 30 days after this Courts ruling thereon. If neither motion(s) for summary judgment nor the proposed pretrial order are timely filed, the Clerk is directed to submit this matter for the Court for consideration. Signed by Judge Steve C. Jones on 5/5/2020. (rjs) (Entered: 05/05/2020)

May 5, 2020

May 5, 2020

PACER

Clerk's Certificate of Mailing as to Johana Gutierrez re 50 Scheduling Order. (rjs)

May 5, 2020

May 5, 2020

PACER
51

CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE First Request to Produce to Plaintiff Johana Gutierrez, on behalf of minors Y.S.G.R. and J.I.G.R. by The United States of America.(Mendel, Gabriel) (Entered: 05/11/2020)

May 11, 2020

May 11, 2020

PACER
52

CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE First Request to Produce to Juneidy Mijangos Vargas, on behalf of minor J.A.M. by The United States of America.(Mendel, Gabriel) (Entered: 05/11/2020)

May 11, 2020

May 11, 2020

PACER
53

CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE Defendant's Initial Disclosures by The United States of America.(Mendel, Gabriel) (Entered: 05/11/2020)

May 11, 2020

May 11, 2020

PACER
54

RESPONSE in Opposition re 49 MOTION for Sanctions filed by The United States of America. (Mendel, Gabriel) (Entered: 05/11/2020)

May 11, 2020

May 11, 2020

PACER
55

ORDER: The Court REFERS this matter to Chief Magistrate Judge Alan J. Baverman for assignment to a magistrate judge to appoint an attorney to represent the legal interests of Plaintiffs/minors, Y.S.G.R. and J.I.G.R. and serve as the attorney of record in this case. The mother/representative for Y.S.G.R. and J.I.G.R., Ms. Johana Guiterrez, shall have TEN DAYS from the entry of this order to file a written objection to this Order. Said objections shall be mailed to the Clerks Office for the Northern District of Georgia at the following address: Richard B. Russell Federal Building 2211 United States Courthouse 75 Ted Turner Drive, S.W. Atlanta, Georgia 30303-3309. The Clerk is DIRECTED to mail a copy of this Order to Ms. Guiterrez at both the address of record on the Clerk's docket and to the following address: 1115 Sunrise Field Court Lawrenceville, Georgia 30043. Ms. Guiterrez is further ADVISED of her duty pursuant to Local Rule 41.2(B) to keep the Clerk's Office informed of her current address. To this regard, upon receipt of this Order, Ms. Guiterrez must immediately send written confirmation of her address to the Clerk's Office at the Clerk's Office address listed above. Signed by Judge Steve C. Jones on 5/14/2020. (rjs) (Entered: 05/14/2020)

May 14, 2020

May 14, 2020

PACER

Clerk's Certificate of Mailing as to Johana Gutierrez re 55 Order to both addresses. (rjs)

May 14, 2020

May 14, 2020

PACER
56

Minute Entry for proceedings held before Judge Steve C. Jones: Status Conference held on 5/14/2020 via Zoom. Counsel advised the Court that a global settlement has not yet been achieved. (Court Reporter David Ritchie)(pdw) (Entered: 05/19/2020)

May 14, 2020

May 14, 2020

PACER
57

ORDER: The Court APPOINTS Ann Grunewald Fort of the law firm, Eversheds Sutherland (US) LLP to serve as pro bono counsel for the plaintiffs-minors, Y.S.G.R. and J.I.G.R. It is further ORDERED that former counsel for the plaintiffs-minors (Bradley Banias, Daniel Werner, and Lisa Graybill) shall immediately contact Ms. Fort and provide the full legal names of the plaintiffs-minors. Signed by Judge Steve C. Jones on 5/21/2020. (rjs) (Entered: 05/21/2020)

May 21, 2020

May 21, 2020

PACER
58

THIRD AMENDMENT TO GENERAL ORDER 20-01 RE: COURT OPERATIONS UNDER THE EXIGENT CIRCUMSTANCES CREATED BY COVID-19 AND RELATED CORONA VIRUS. Signed by Judge Thomas W. Thrash, Jr. on 05/26/2020. (rvb) (ADI) (Entered: 05/27/2020)

May 27, 2020

May 27, 2020

PACER

Submission of 55 Order to District Judge Steve C. Jones. (rjs)

June 2, 2020

June 2, 2020

PACER
59

FOURTH AMENDMENT TO GENERAL ORDER 20-01 RE: COURT OPERATIONS UNDER THE EXIGENT CIRCUMSTANCES CREATED BY COVID-19 AND RELATED CORONA VIRUS. Signed by Judge Thomas W. Thrash, Jr. on 07/01/2020. (mmc) (ADI) (Entered: 07/02/2020)

July 2, 2020

July 2, 2020

PACER
60

FIFTH AMENDMENT TO GENERAL ORDER 20-01 RE: COURT OPERATIONS UNDER THE EXIGENT CIRCUMSTANCES CREATED BY COVID-19 AND RELATED CORONAVIRUS. Signed by Judge Thomas W. Thrash, Jr. on 7/10/2020 (rvb) (ADI) (Entered: 07/13/2020)

July 13, 2020

July 13, 2020

PACER
61

SIXTH AMENDMENT TO GENERAL ORDER 20-01 RE: COURT OPERATIONS UNDER THE EXIGENT CIRCUMSTANCES CREATED BY COVID-19 AND RELATED CORONAVIRUS. Signed by Judge Thomas W. Thrash, Jr. on 08/03/2020. (mmc) (ADI) (Entered: 08/04/2020)

Aug. 4, 2020

Aug. 4, 2020

PACER
62

Consent MOTION to approve disbursement of settlement funds with Brief In Support by J.I.G.R., Y.S.G.R. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Exhibit A (redacted), # 2 Affidavit Gutierrez Declaration (redacted), # 3 Text of Proposed Order)(Fort, Ann) (Entered: 08/12/2020)

1 Exhibit Exhibit A (redacted)

View on PACER

2 Affidavit Gutierrez Declaration (redacted)

View on PACER

3 Text of Proposed Order

View on PACER

Aug. 12, 2020

Aug. 12, 2020

PACER
63

MOTION for In Camera Review of Unredacted Settlement with Brief In Support by J.I.G.R., Y.S.G.R. (Fort, Ann) (Entered: 08/12/2020)

Aug. 12, 2020

Aug. 12, 2020

PACER
64

RESPONSE re 63 MOTION for In Camera Review of Unredacted Settlement filed by The United States of America. (Mendel, Gabriel) (Entered: 08/13/2020)

Aug. 13, 2020

Aug. 13, 2020

PACER

DOCKET ORDER granting 63 Motion for In Camera Review. Entered by Judge Steve C. Jones on 8/13/2020. (pdw)

Aug. 13, 2020

Aug. 13, 2020

PACER
65

ORDER granting 62 Motion to Approve Disbursement of Settlement. The settlement shall be disbursed as agreed upon by the parties, without the appointment of a conservator to receive the payment on behalf of either minor child, Y.S.G.R. and J.I.G.R. This matter is now terminated. Signed by Judge Steve C. Jones on 8/13/2020. c:Financial Office(kt) (Entered: 08/13/2020)

Aug. 13, 2020

Aug. 13, 2020

PACER

DOCKETED IN ERROR PER ORDER AT DOC. 66 Civil Case Terminated. (kt) Modified on 10/9/2020 (rjs).

Aug. 13, 2020

Aug. 13, 2020

PACER
66

ORDER: It appearing that this case was inadvertently closed as to Plaintiff JUNEIDY MIJANGOS VARGAS, on behalf of a minor, J.A.M, the Court AMENDS its August 13, 2020 65 order to state that this case is terminated as to Plaintiff JOHANA GUTIERREZ, on behalf of minors, Y.S.G.R. and J.I.G.R. only. This case remains open as to JUNEIDY MIJANGOS VARGAS, on behalf of a minor, J.A.M. The Clerk is DIRECTED to reopen this case as to said plaintiff and also reopen the 49 motion for sanctions. The Court further ORDERS that the 50 scheduling order remains in place, with the exception that motions for summary judgment (or the proposed consolidated pretrial order) are due on TUESDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2020 due to the prior deadline of October 11, 2020 falling on a weekend/holiday period. Signed by Judge Steve C. Jones on 10/9/2020. (rjs) (Entered: 10/09/2020)

Oct. 9, 2020

Oct. 9, 2020

PACER
67

NOTICE of Settlement by The United States of America (Mendel, Gabriel) (Entered: 10/13/2020)

Oct. 13, 2020

Oct. 13, 2020

RECAP
68

ORDER: It is ORDERED that this action be DISMISSED without prejudice to the right, upon good cause shown within sixty (60) days to reopen the action if settlement is not consummated. The Clerk is DIRECTED to ADMINISTRATIVELY TERMINATE this action. If this matter is not reopened by the parties within sixty (60) days it will be deemed to have been dismissed with prejudice. Signed by Judge Steve C. Jones on 10/13/2020. (rjs) (Entered: 10/13/2020)

Oct. 13, 2020

Oct. 13, 2020

PACER

Civil Case Terminated. (rjs)

Oct. 13, 2020

Oct. 13, 2020

PACER

Case Details

State / Territory: Georgia

Case Type(s):

Immigration and/or the Border

Special Collection(s):

Multi-LexSum (in sample)

Key Dates

Filing Date: Dec. 11, 2017

Closing Date: Oct. 13, 2020

Case Ongoing: No

Plaintiffs

Plaintiff Description:

Three Central American families living in the U.S.

Plaintiff Type(s):

Private Plaintiff

Attorney Organizations:

Southern Poverty Law Center

Public Interest Lawyer: Yes

Filed Pro Se: No

Class Action Sought: No

Class Action Outcome: Not sought

Defendants

United States, Federal

Case Details

Causes of Action:

State law

Declaratory Judgment Act, 28 U.S.C. § 2201

Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA), 28 U.S.C. § 2674

Constitutional Clause(s):

Unreasonable search and seizure

Available Documents:

Trial Court Docket

Complaint (any)

Monetary Relief

Outcome

Prevailing Party: Mixed

Nature of Relief:

Damages

Source of Relief:

Settlement

Amount Defendant Pays: 15,000

Issues

General:

Loss or damage to property

Over/Unlawful Detention

Search policies

Policing:

False arrest

Jails, Prisons, Detention Centers, and Other Institutions:

Placement in detention facilities

Discrimination-basis:

Immigration status

National origin discrimination

Type of Facility:

Government-run

Immigration/Border:

Constitutional rights

Detention - criteria

Detention - procedures

ICE/DHS/INS raid

Undocumented immigrants - rights and duties

National Origin/Ethnicity:

Hispanic