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Federal Jury Clears Detroit CBP Officers of Wrongdoing

Release Date
Tue, 07/02/2013

DETROIT—U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations, announce that on June 28, a federal jury in Port Huron, unanimously found no basis for liability on the part of two CBP Officers, refusing to award any damages to Canadian citizen Loretta Van Beek.

The case lasted two years from filing to the jury's decision following a five-day trial. The plaintiff alleged in the lawsuit that the two female officers exceeded their authority and violated the plaintiff's Fourth Amendment right against unreasonable search. The suit also alleged inappropriate touching on the part of one of the officers. After a brief deliberation, the jury decided in favor of the officers.

"We are extremely gratified by the jury's verdict and pleased that the CBP Officers were vindicated after trial," said Christopher Perry, Director of Field Operations.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.

Last Modified: Feb 03, 2021