Skip to content

Case Detail

[Subscribe to updates]
Case TitleAMERICAN OVERSIGHT v. U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY et al
DistrictDistrict of Columbia
CityWashington, DC
Case Number1:2020cv01367
Date Filed2020-05-21
Date Closed2023-08-11
JudgeJudge Royce C. Lamberth
PlaintiffAMERICAN OVERSIGHT
Case DescriptionAmerican Oversight submitted FOIA requests to the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Justice for records concerning responses to the corona virus pandemic. American Oversight also requested expedited processing. The agencies acknowledged receipt of the requests and granted American Oversight's requests for expedited processing. After hearing nothing further from the agencies, American Oversight filed suit.
Complaint issues: Failure to respond within statutory time limit, Adequacy - Search, Litigation - Vaughn index, Litigation - Attorney's fees

DefendantU.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY
DefendantDEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY
DefendantIMMIGRATION AND CUSTOMS ENFORCEMENT
DefendantU.S. IMMIGRATION AND CUSTOMS ENFORCEMENT
DefendantU.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
DefendantDEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
DefendantFEDERAL BUREAU OF PRISONS
Documents
Docket
Complaint
Complaint attachment 1
Complaint attachment 2
Complaint attachment 3
Complaint attachment 4
Complaint attachment 5
Complaint attachment 6
Complaint attachment 7
User-contributed Documents
 
Docket Events (Hide)
Date FiledDoc #Docket Text

2020-05-211COMPLAINT against DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE, FEDERAL BUREAU OF PRISONS, IMMIGRATION AND CUSTOMS ENFORCEMENT, U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY ( Filing fee $ 400 receipt number ADCDC-7148679) filed by AMERICAN OVERSIGHT. (Attachments: # 1 Civil Cover Sheet, # 2 Summons USAO, # 3 Summons AG, # 4 Summons BOP, # 5 Summons DHS, # 6 Summons DOJ, # 7 Summons ICE)(Lewis, Emma) (Entered: 05/21/2020)
2020-05-212LCvR 26.1 CERTIFICATE OF DISCLOSURE of Corporate Affiliations and Financial Interests by AMERICAN OVERSIGHT (Lewis, Emma) (Entered: 05/21/2020)
2020-05-22Case assigned to Judge Royce C. Lamberth. (zmc) (Entered: 05/22/2020)
2020-05-223SUMMONS (6) Issued Electronically as to FEDERAL BUREAU OF PRISONS, U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY, U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE, U.S. IMMIGRATION AND CUSTOMS ENFORCEMENT, U.S. Attorney and U.S. Attorney General (Attachment: # 1 Notice and Consent)(zmc) (Entered: 05/22/2020)
2020-07-014RETURN OF SERVICE/AFFIDAVIT of Summons and Complaint Executed as to the United States Attorney. Date of Service Upon United States Attorney on 6/8/2020. ( Answer due for ALL FEDERAL DEFENDANTS by 7/8/2020.), RETURN OF SERVICE/AFFIDAVIT of Summons and Complaint Executed on United States Attorney General. Date of Service Upon United States Attorney General June 8, 2020., RETURN OF SERVICE/AFFIDAVIT of Summons and Complaint Executed. FEDERAL BUREAU OF PRISONS served on 6/8/2020; U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY served on 6/8/2020; U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE served on 6/9/2020; U.S. IMMIGRATION AND CUSTOMS ENFORCEMENT served on 6/8/2020 (Lewis, Emma) (Entered: 07/01/2020)
2020-07-025ERRATA by AMERICAN OVERSIGHT 4 Summons Returned Executed in FOIA as to U.S. Attorney,,, Summons Returned Executed as to U.S. Attorney General,,, Summons Returned Executed as to Federal Defendant,,. (Attachments: # 1 Errata USPS Delivery Receipts)(Lewis, Emma) (Entered: 07/02/2020)
2020-07-026NOTICE of Appearance by Andrew Freidah on behalf of All Defendants (Freidah, Andrew) (Entered: 07/02/2020)
2020-07-087ANSWER to Complaint by FEDERAL BUREAU OF PRISONS, U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY, U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE, U.S. IMMIGRATION AND CUSTOMS ENFORCEMENT.(Freidah, Andrew) (Entered: 07/08/2020)
2020-07-098SCHEDULING ORDER: The government shall file a Vaughn Index and supporting dispositive motion within 30 days. Signed by Judge Royce C. Lamberth on 07/09/2020. (lcrcl3) (Entered: 07/09/2020)
2020-08-079Joint MOTION to Vacate Order Requiring Production of Vaughn Index and Dispositive Motion by FEDERAL BUREAU OF PRISONS, U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY, U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE, U.S. IMMIGRATION AND CUSTOMS ENFORCEMENT (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Freidah, Andrew) (Entered: 08/07/2020)
2020-08-1010ORDER granting 9 Joint Motion to Vacate Order Requiring Production of Vaughn Index and Dispositive Motion. The parties shall file a Joint Status Report no later than 08/31/2020. Signed by Judge Royce C. Lamberth on 08/10/2020. (lcrcl3) (Entered: 08/10/2020)
2020-08-10Set/Reset Deadlines: Joint Status Report due by 8/31/2020 (lsj) (Entered: 08/10/2020)
2020-08-3111Joint STATUS REPORT by FEDERAL BUREAU OF PRISONS, U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY, U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE, U.S. IMMIGRATION AND CUSTOMS ENFORCEMENT. (Freidah, Andrew) (Entered: 08/31/2020)
2020-08-31MINUTE ORDER Status Report due by 9/30/2020. Signed by Judge Royce C. Lamberth on 08/31/2020. (lcrcl3) (Entered: 08/31/2020)
2020-09-3012Joint STATUS REPORT by FEDERAL BUREAU OF PRISONS, U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY, U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE, U.S. IMMIGRATION AND CUSTOMS ENFORCEMENT. (Freidah, Andrew) (Entered: 09/30/2020)
2020-10-02MINUTE ORDER Status Report due by 10/30/2020. Signed by Judge Royce C. Lamberth on 10/02/2020. (lcrcl3) (Entered: 10/02/2020)
2020-10-3013Joint STATUS REPORT by FEDERAL BUREAU OF PRISONS, U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY, U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE, U.S. IMMIGRATION AND CUSTOMS ENFORCEMENT. (Freidah, Andrew) (Entered: 10/30/2020)
2020-10-30MINUTE ORDER Status Report due by 12/4/2020. Signed by Judge Royce C. Lamberth on 10/30/2020. (lcrcl3) (Entered: 10/30/2020)
2020-12-0414Joint STATUS REPORT by FEDERAL BUREAU OF PRISONS, U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY, U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE, U.S. IMMIGRATION AND CUSTOMS ENFORCEMENT. (Freidah, Andrew) (Entered: 12/04/2020)
2020-12-07MINUTE ORDER: Joint Status Report due by 1/6/2021. Signed by Judge Royce C. Lamberth on 12/7/2020. (lcrcl3) (Entered: 12/07/2020)
2021-01-0615Joint STATUS REPORT by FEDERAL BUREAU OF PRISONS, U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY, U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE, U.S. IMMIGRATION AND CUSTOMS ENFORCEMENT. (Freidah, Andrew) (Entered: 01/06/2021)
2021-01-25MINUTE ORDER: Joint Status Report due by 2/5/2021. Signed by Judge Royce C. Lamberth on 1/25/2021. (lcrcl3) (Entered: 01/25/2021)
2021-02-0516Joint STATUS REPORT by FEDERAL BUREAU OF PRISONS, U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY, U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE, U.S. IMMIGRATION AND CUSTOMS ENFORCEMENT. (Freidah, Andrew) (Entered: 02/05/2021)
2021-02-08MINUTE ORDER: Joint Status Report due by 3/8/2021. Signed by Judge Royce C. Lamberth on 2/8/2021. (lcrcl3) (Entered: 02/08/2021)
2021-02-08Set/Reset Deadlines: Joint Status Report due by 3/8/2021. (nbn) (Entered: 02/08/2021)
2021-03-0817Joint STATUS REPORT by FEDERAL BUREAU OF PRISONS, U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY, U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE, U.S. IMMIGRATION AND CUSTOMS ENFORCEMENT. (Freidah, Andrew) (Entered: 03/08/2021)
2021-03-11MINUTE ORDER: Joint Status Report due by 4/7/2021. Signed by Judge Royce C. Lamberth on 3/11/2021. (lcrcl3) (Entered: 03/11/2021)
2021-04-0718Joint STATUS REPORT by AMERICAN OVERSIGHT. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order Plaintiff's Proposed Order, # 2 Text of Proposed Order Defendants' Proposed Order)(Lewis, Emma) (Entered: 04/07/2021)
2021-04-0919ORDER: The parties shall file a Joint Status Report no later than 5/7/2021. Signed by Judge Royce C. Lamberth on 4/9/2021. (lcrcl3) (Entered: 04/09/2021)
2021-05-0720Joint STATUS REPORT by FEDERAL BUREAU OF PRISONS, U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY, U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE, U.S. IMMIGRATION AND CUSTOMS ENFORCEMENT. (Freidah, Andrew) (Entered: 05/07/2021)
2021-06-03MINUTE ORDER: The parties shall file a Joint Status Report no later than 6/7/2021. Signed by Judge Royce C. Lamberth on 6/3/2021. (lcrcl3) (Entered: 06/03/2021)
2021-06-0721Joint STATUS REPORT by FEDERAL BUREAU OF PRISONS, U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY, U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE, U.S. IMMIGRATION AND CUSTOMS ENFORCEMENT. (Freidah, Andrew) (Entered: 06/07/2021)
2021-06-07MINUTE ORDER: The parties shall file a Joint Status Report no later than 7/7/2021. Signed by Judge Royce C. Lamberth on 6/7/2021. (lcrcl3) (Entered: 06/07/2021)
2021-07-0722Joint STATUS REPORT by FEDERAL BUREAU OF PRISONS, U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY, U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE, U.S. IMMIGRATION AND CUSTOMS ENFORCEMENT. (Freidah, Andrew) (Entered: 07/07/2021)
2021-07-09MINUTE ORDER: The parties shall file a Joint Status Report no later than 8/6/2021. Signed by Judge Royce C. Lamberth on 7/9/2021. (lcrcl3) (Entered: 07/09/2021)
2021-08-0623Joint STATUS REPORT by FEDERAL BUREAU OF PRISONS, U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY, U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE, U.S. IMMIGRATION AND CUSTOMS ENFORCEMENT. (Freidah, Andrew) (Entered: 08/06/2021)
2021-08-09MINUTE ORDER: The parties shall file a Joint Status Report no later than 9/8/2021. Signed by Judge Royce C. Lamberth on 8/9/2021. (lcrcl3) (Entered: 08/09/2021)
2021-09-0824Joint STATUS REPORT by AMERICAN OVERSIGHT. (Lewis, Emma) (Entered: 09/08/2021)
2021-09-08MINUTE ORDER: The parties shall file a Joint Status Report no later than 10/8/2021. Signed by Judge Royce C. Lamberth on 09/08/2021. (lcrcl3) (Entered: 09/08/2021)
2021-10-0825Joint STATUS REPORT by FEDERAL BUREAU OF PRISONS, U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY, U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE, U.S. IMMIGRATION AND CUSTOMS ENFORCEMENT. (Freidah, Andrew) (Entered: 10/08/2021)
2021-10-08MINUTE ORDER: The parties shall file a further Joint Status Report by 11/8/2021. Signed by Judge Royce C. Lamberth on 10/08/2021. (lcrcl3) Modified on 10/18/2021 (lsj). (Entered: 10/08/2021)
2021-11-0826Joint STATUS REPORT by FEDERAL BUREAU OF PRISONS, U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY, U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE, U.S. IMMIGRATION AND CUSTOMS ENFORCEMENT. (Freidah, Andrew) (Entered: 11/08/2021)
2021-11-19MINUTE ORDER: The parties shall file a further Joint Status Report by 12/8/2021. Signed by Judge Royce C. Lamberth on 11/19/2021. (lcrcl3) (Entered: 11/19/2021)
2021-12-0827Joint STATUS REPORT by DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY, FEDERAL BUREAU OF PRISONS, U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE, U.S. IMMIGRATION AND CUSTOMS ENFORCEMENT. (Freidah, Andrew) (Entered: 12/08/2021)
2021-12-08MINUTE ORDER: The parties shall file a further Joint Status Report by 1/7/2022. Signed by Judge Royce C. Lamberth on 12/08/2021. (lcrcl3) (Entered: 12/08/2021)
2022-01-0728Joint STATUS REPORT by DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY, FEDERAL BUREAU OF PRISONS, U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE, U.S. IMMIGRATION AND CUSTOMS ENFORCEMENT. (Freidah, Andrew) (Entered: 01/07/2022)
2022-01-07MINUTE ORDER: The parties shall file a further Joint Status Report by 2/7/2022. Signed by Judge Royce C. Lamberth on 1/07/2022. (lcrcl3) (Entered: 01/07/2022)
2022-02-0729Joint STATUS REPORT by DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY, FEDERAL BUREAU OF PRISONS, U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE, U.S. IMMIGRATION AND CUSTOMS ENFORCEMENT. (Freidah, Andrew) (Entered: 02/07/2022)
2022-02-10MINUTE ORDER: The parties shall file a further Joint Status Report by 3/9/2022. Signed by Judge Royce C. Lamberth on 2/10/2022. (lcrcl3) (Entered: 02/10/2022)
2022-03-0930Joint STATUS REPORT by AMERICAN OVERSIGHT. (Lewis, Emma) (Entered: 03/09/2022)
2022-03-16MINUTE ORDER: The parties shall file a further Joint Status Report by 4/8/2022. Signed by Judge Royce C. Lamberth on 3/16/2022. (lcrcl3) (Entered: 03/16/2022)
2022-04-0831Joint STATUS REPORT by DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY, FEDERAL BUREAU OF PRISONS, U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE, U.S. IMMIGRATION AND CUSTOMS ENFORCEMENT. (Freidah, Andrew) (Entered: 04/08/2022)
2022-04-12MINUTE ORDER: The parties shall file a further Joint Status Report by 5/10/2022. Signed by Judge Royce C. Lamberth on 4/12/2022. (lcrcl3) (Entered: 04/12/2022)
2022-05-1032Joint STATUS REPORT by DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY, FEDERAL BUREAU OF PRISONS, U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE, U.S. IMMIGRATION AND CUSTOMS ENFORCEMENT. (Freidah, Andrew) (Entered: 05/10/2022)
2022-05-27MINUTE ORDER: The parties shall file a further Joint Status Report by 6/22/2022. Signed by Judge Royce C. Lamberth on 5/27/2022. (lcrcl3) (Entered: 05/27/2022)
2022-06-2233Joint STATUS REPORT by DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY, FEDERAL BUREAU OF PRISONS, U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE, U.S. IMMIGRATION AND CUSTOMS ENFORCEMENT. (Freidah, Andrew) (Entered: 06/22/2022)
2022-06-23MINUTE ORDER: The parties shall file a further Joint Status Report by 7/22/2022. Signed by Judge Royce C. Lamberth on 6/23/2022. (lcrcl3) (Entered: 06/23/2022)
2022-07-2234Joint STATUS REPORT by DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY, FEDERAL BUREAU OF PRISONS, U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE, U.S. IMMIGRATION AND CUSTOMS ENFORCEMENT. (Freidah, Andrew) (Entered: 07/22/2022)
2022-07-22MINUTE ORDER: The parties shall file a further Joint Status Report by 8/22/2022. Signed by Judge Royce C. Lamberth on 7/22/2022. (lcrcl3) (Entered: 07/22/2022)
2022-08-2235Joint STATUS REPORT by DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY, FEDERAL BUREAU OF PRISONS, U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE, U.S. IMMIGRATION AND CUSTOMS ENFORCEMENT. (Freidah, Andrew) (Entered: 08/22/2022)
2022-09-13MINUTE ORDER: The parties are hereby ORDERED to file a further status report by 09/21/2022. Signed by Judge Royce C. Lamberth on 09/13/2022. (lcrcl3) (Entered: 09/13/2022)
2022-09-2136Joint STATUS REPORT by DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY, FEDERAL BUREAU OF PRISONS, U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE, U.S. IMMIGRATION AND CUSTOMS ENFORCEMENT. (Freidah, Andrew) (Entered: 09/21/2022)
2022-09-22MINUTE ORDER: The parties are hereby ORDERED to file a further status report by 10/21/2022. Signed by Judge Royce C. Lamberth on 09/22/2022. (lcrcl3) (Entered: 09/22/2022)
2022-10-2137Joint STATUS REPORT by DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY, FEDERAL BUREAU OF PRISONS, U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE, U.S. IMMIGRATION AND CUSTOMS ENFORCEMENT. (Freidah, Andrew) (Entered: 10/21/2022)
2022-10-26MINUTE ORDER: The parties are hereby ORDERED to file a further Joint Status Report by 11/18/2022. Signed by Judge Royce C. Lamberth on 10/25/2022. (lcrcl3) (Entered: 10/26/2022)
2022-11-1838Joint STATUS REPORT by DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY, FEDERAL BUREAU OF PRISONS, U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE, U.S. IMMIGRATION AND CUSTOMS ENFORCEMENT. (Freidah, Andrew) (Entered: 11/18/2022)
2022-12-1939Joint STATUS REPORT by DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY, FEDERAL BUREAU OF PRISONS, U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE, U.S. IMMIGRATION AND CUSTOMS ENFORCEMENT. (Freidah, Andrew) (Entered: 12/19/2022)
2022-12-20MINUTE ORDER: The parties are hereby ORDERED to file a further Joint Status Report by 01/18/2023. Signed by Judge Royce C. Lamberth on 12/20/2022. (lcrcl3) Modified on 12/22/2022 (zlsj). (Entered: 12/20/2022)
2023-01-1840Joint STATUS REPORT by DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY, FEDERAL BUREAU OF PRISONS, U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE, U.S. IMMIGRATION AND CUSTOMS ENFORCEMENT. (Freidah, Andrew) (Entered: 01/18/2023)
2023-01-19MINUTE ORDER: The parties are hereby ORDERED to file a further Joint Status Report by 02/17/2023. In light of the age of this case, the Court directs the parties to estimate in that report when the production of documents phase will end so that a schedule for the Vaughn index and dispositive motions may be set to ensure this case is concluded within the three years Congress makes presumptive for disposition. Signed by Judge Royce C. Lamberth on 01/19/2023. (lcrcl3) (Entered: 01/19/2023)
2023-02-1741Joint STATUS REPORT by DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY, FEDERAL BUREAU OF PRISONS, U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE, U.S. IMMIGRATION AND CUSTOMS ENFORCEMENT. (Freidah, Andrew) (Entered: 02/17/2023)
2023-03-2042Joint STATUS REPORT by DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY, FEDERAL BUREAU OF PRISONS, U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE, U.S. IMMIGRATION AND CUSTOMS ENFORCEMENT. (Freidah, Andrew) (Entered: 03/20/2023)
2023-04-12MINUTE ORDER: The parties are hereby ORDERED to file a further Joint Status Report by 04/19/2023. Counsel are advised that this case will become reportable on 09/30/2023 as having been pending for more than three years, so the Court requests the parties to suggest steps to take to ensure termination prior to that date. Signed by Judge Royce C. Lamberth on 04/12/2023. (lcrcl3) (Entered: 04/12/2023)
2023-04-1943Joint STATUS REPORT by DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY, FEDERAL BUREAU OF PRISONS, U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE, U.S. IMMIGRATION AND CUSTOMS ENFORCEMENT. (Freidah, Andrew) (Entered: 04/19/2023)
2023-06-3044Joint STATUS REPORT by DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY, FEDERAL BUREAU OF PRISONS, U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE, U.S. IMMIGRATION AND CUSTOMS ENFORCEMENT. (Freidah, Andrew) (Entered: 06/30/2023)
2023-07-06MINUTE ORDER: The parties are hereby ORDERED to file a further Joint Status Report by 07/31/2023. SO ORDERED by Judge Royce C. Lamberth on 07/06/2023. (lcrcl1) (Entered: 07/06/2023)
2023-07-3145Joint STATUS REPORT by DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY, FEDERAL BUREAU OF PRISONS, U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE, U.S. IMMIGRATION AND CUSTOMS ENFORCEMENT. (Freidah, Andrew) (Entered: 07/31/2023)
2023-08-03MINUTE ORDER: The parties are hereby ORDERED to file a further Joint Status Report by 08/30/2023. Because this case is reportable as having been pending for longer than three years as of 09/30/2023, the next Joint Status Report shall suggest steps to be taken to resolve the case before that date. Signed by Judge Royce C. Lamberth on 08/03/2023. (lcrcl3) (Entered: 08/03/2023)
2023-08-03Set/Reset Deadlines: Joint Status Report due by 8/30/2023. (zsmc) (Entered: 08/04/2023)
2023-08-1146STIPULATION of Dismissal by AMERICAN OVERSIGHT. (Lewis, Emma) (Entered: 08/11/2023)
Hide Docket Events
by FOIA Project Staff
Skip to toolbar