Washington, D.C. — Democracy Forward and UnidosUS today announced the launch of a new national initiative to expand the use of the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) as a tool to pursue accountability for federal misconduct, particularly in the context of immigration enforcement and protest-related abuses. The initiative, which brings dozens of organizations together, comes at a time when the Trump-Vance administration has escalated unlawful enforcement actions that are causing serious harm to individuals, families, and communities across the country.
Over the past several months, Democracy Forward has built significant infrastructure to support this effort, including a comprehensive FTCA litigation toolkit, a growing national attorney network and listserv, referral and intake pathways for potential claims, and training materials designed to support advocates and practitioners nationwide.
Through its Affiliate network of nearly 300 community-based organizations across the country, UnidosUS has helped connect Latino and immigrant communities, advocates, and legal service providers with the information and resources needed to identify, document, and pursue FTCA claims against the federal government. By supporting community outreach, education, and legal referrals, UnidosUS seeks to expand access to accountability tools for people harmed by federal misconduct arising from mass immigration enforcement.
“Across the country, people are experiencing serious injury and harm at the hands of federal officials with too little transparency and too little accountability,” said Skye Perryman, President and CEO of Democracy Forward. “The Federal Tort Claims Act is one of the tools available to help people seek justice when the federal government violates their rights, but these claims can be difficult to pursue without coordinated legal support and resources. Through this initiative, Democracy Forward and our partners are helping build the infrastructure, partnerships, and legal strategies necessary to ensure communities are not left to face federal misconduct on their own.”
“As mass deportation efforts escalate, holding the federal government accountable for abuses of power, excessive force, and misconduct is critical to protecting our communities and mitigating the harm these enforcement actions cause. This initiative helps ensure that impacted individuals and families have access to the information, legal support, and tools needed to assert their rights and seek justice,” said Janet Murguía, UnidosUS President and CEO.
The FTCA was effectively used during the Trump-Pence administration as officials went to drastic measures to separate and harm immigrant families. The law requires an administrative claim be made — and typically a six-month waiting period — before someone can file an FTCA lawsuit. Democracy Forward and allied organizations have already filed a number of claims against some of the Trump-Vance administration’s more egregious actions, laying the groundwork for future litigation.
Later this month, Democracy Forward and UnidosUS, alongside partners the Institute for Justice, The Chicago Project, MacArthur Justice Center, and the National Immigrant Justice Center will host a national convening in Chicago bringing together attorneys, advocates, and partner organizations from across the country to help train and empower their use of the FTCA.
The convening will focus on the use of the FTCA to hold federal law enforcement officers accountable for misconduct and abuse. The event will feature expert panels, strategic discussions, and opportunities to strengthen collaboration across a growing national network of practitioners. Participants will also preview a new litigation toolkit, support the rollout of a coordinated attorney network, and expand referral pathways for individuals seeking accountability and justice.
As the Trump-Vance administration continues to push policies and practices that undermine civil rights and evade public accountability, Democracy Forward, UnidosUS, and our partners are committed to ensuring people harmed by federal misconduct have access to legal tools, coordinated support, and pathways to seek justice.
