Case did not extend reach of federal law
The parents of a 15-year-old Mexican boy who died after being shot by a Border Patrol agent across the border cannot bring suit against the federal agent who shot him.
The 2010 incident at the El-Paso-Juarez border heightened tensions over border security.
Justice Samuel Alito wrote the decision in the 5-4 case and said the court would not extend the reach of federal law into claims against U.S. law enforcement actions that have effects in other countries.
“A cross-border shooting is by definition an international incident,” Justice Alito wrote. He said the matter called for a diplomatic solution, not a legal one, and it is up to Congress, not the courts, to decide the scope of civil rights law in such contexts.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For Congress to act on immigration reform and border law that could include legislation relative to this ruling.
- For the Supreme Court justices as they continue ruling on matters that have come before the court during this term.
Sources: NBC News, Fox News
