Institute for Justice
@ij.org
For 30 years, the Institute for Justice has come to the aid of real people fighting outrageous government abuse.
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/
February 12, 2026 at 12:23 PM
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:
@theunpopulist.net:
Americans Need Legal Remedies Restored Now to Protect Themselves Against Reckless ICE Agents
Congress, state legislatures, and courts can take steps to reopen avenues for litigation unduly closed off
www.theunpopulist.net
February 3, 2026 at 4:33 PM
"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:
@theunpopulist.net:
$200 Cash Rule Forces Business to Take Customers' Private Info
February 1, 2026 at 5:11 PM
$200 Cash Rule Forces Business to Take Customers' Private Info
Reposted by Institute for Justice
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/
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/
January 23, 2026 at 9:52 PM
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/
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.
Represented by IJ, Hampton Roads residents Lee Schmidt and Crystal Arrington will appeal the decision.
Hampton Roads Residents Will Appeal Court Decision Upholding Norfolk's License Plate Reader Surveillance - Institute for Justice
NORFOLK, VA.--Today, a federal judge sided with the city of Norfolk in a federal lawsuit challenging its warrantless use of more than 170 automated license plate reader (ALPR) cameras. Hampton [...]
ij.org
January 28, 2026 at 10:30 PM
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.
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.
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.
January 24, 2026 at 11:43 PM
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.
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/
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/
January 23, 2026 at 9:52 PM
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/
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
January 22, 2026 at 1:10 PM
Eric Andre’s Warrantless Search Was No Joke
Reposted by Institute for Justice
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...
Now, they're arguing they should get qualified immunity for the wrong house raid.
They shouldn't.
www.law360.com/articles/243...
Officers Invoke Immunity In Wrong-House Raid Lawsuit - Law360
Officers accused of violating a family's constitutional rights by raiding their home in the middle of the night told a North Carolina federal court Tuesday that the suit should be dismissed for failin...
www.law360.com
January 21, 2026 at 1:41 PM
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...
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.
And once officers realize they’ve detained the wrong person, the Constitution requires them to let him go immediately.
Parents of Portland teen mistakenly detained at gunpoint last spring sue police
The federal lawsuit, filed this week, stems from a May 2025 police operation near Deering High School.
wgme.com
January 21, 2026 at 5:46 PM
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.
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.
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.
January 18, 2026 at 5:57 PM
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.
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...
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...
January 12, 2026 at 4:59 PM
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...
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/
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/
January 12, 2026 at 4:21 PM
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/
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.
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.
Americans Keep Getting Caught Up In Immigration Raids
YouTube video by Institute for Justice
www.youtube.com
January 9, 2026 at 5:14 PM
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.
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/
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/
January 8, 2026 at 8:09 PM
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/
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.
Thank you for standing with us.
January 8, 2026 at 4:06 PM
✨ 2025 was a winning year for IJ and we’re already working to make 2026 even better!
Thank you for standing with us.
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
We’re hiring for roles in litigation, activism, communications, development, administration, and student fellowships.
Learn more at IJ.org/Careers
January 2, 2026 at 1:48 PM
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
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
◻️ Return to the #SupremeCourt
◻️ #EndCivilForfeiture
◻️ Fight for the #4thAmendment
◻️ Protect your right to earn an honest living
◻️ Defend #FreeSpeech
◻️ #EndQualifiedImmunity
January 1, 2026 at 2:11 PM
🎊 IJ's 2026 Resolutions 🎊
◻️ Return to the #SupremeCourt
◻️ #EndCivilForfeiture
◻️ Fight for the #4thAmendment
◻️ Protect your right to earn an honest living
◻️ Defend #FreeSpeech
◻️ #EndQualifiedImmunity
◻️ 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.
December 30, 2025 at 5:39 PM
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/
This is theft by extortion. It’s time to end this unconstitutional process.
Learn more here: https://ij.org/case/miami-permit-takings/
December 26, 2025 at 8:56 PM
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/
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
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
December 24, 2025 at 2:52 PM
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
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
But only one is being made whole.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_NJOTMszsJI
Recent VICTORIES Against Civil Forfeiture
Brian Moore and Cristal Starling both lost their money to civil forfeiture, despite neither being charged with a crime. Both of them challenged those forfeitures and both of them got their money back. But only one is being made whole.
We're here with ...
www.youtube.com
December 23, 2025 at 6:36 PM
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
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
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
December 22, 2025 at 5:12 PM
#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
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!
🎄 Wishing you a joyful holiday from everyone at the Institute for Justice!
December 19, 2025 at 9:21 PM
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!
🎄 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.
🧵
But that’s exactly what Miami tried to do to Navy veteran Chad Trausch.
🧵
City of Miami Faces Lawsuit Over Unconstitutional Land Taking Scheme Targeting More Than a Thousand Homeowners Across the City - Institute for Justice
CONTACT: Phillip Suderman, [email protected] (850) 376-4110 Miami— Chad Trausch is a Navy veteran who wanted to expand his home in Miami due to his growing […]
ij.org
December 5, 2025 at 2:29 PM
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.
🧵
But that’s exactly what Miami tried to do to Navy veteran Chad Trausch.
🧵