In a dramatic turn of events, a family from Allentown, Pennsylvania has filed a lawsuit against the United States of America, alleging negligence and constitutional violations. The complaint was lodged by Julio Cesar Abreu Lora and his family on June 13, 2024, in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.
The plaintiffs, Julio Cesar Abreu Lora, Sophi G. Mota, and their minor children Joshua Abreu Mota and Gloribel Diaz Mota, allege that officers from U.S. Marshals Service, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (I.C.E.), and the Allentown Police Department unlawfully entered their home on January 8, 2020. According to the complaint, the officers arrived at approximately 6:00 am with guns drawn and claimed to have a warrant for Julio's brother, Cesar L. Abreu Lora—who did not reside at the address—but never produced any such warrant despite repeated requests.
The situation escalated when officers allegedly forced Julio Cesar Abreu Lora to the ground after he stood up to ask them to leave. The complaint states that this resulted in injuries to his shoulders, wrists, knees, and other parts of his body. The family claims they were held at gunpoint in their living room while officers conducted an unwarranted search.
Plaintiffs argue that these actions violated their Fourth Amendment rights against unreasonable searches and seizures. They assert that the officers acted negligently by failing to verify the correct address before executing what they claim was an invalid warrant. Furthermore, they accuse the officers of using excessive force during the incident.
Julio Cesar Abreu Lora reportedly suffered significant physical injuries including bilateral contusions of the knee, shoulder pain, neck pain, elbow pain, and wrist pain. Additionally, he claims to suffer from psychological symptoms such as insomnia, depression, and anxiety as a result of this traumatic event. His wife Sophi G. Mota and their children also allege emotional distress due to witnessing these events unfold.
The plaintiffs are seeking compensatory damages for physical injuries as well as mental anguish caused by what they describe as "malicious" actions by federal agents and local police officers acting under federal authority. They demand compensation that will fairly address their suffering while also serving as a deterrent against similar conduct in future incidents.
Representing the plaintiffs are attorneys Alan C. Donenberg and Alan E. Denenberg from Abramson & Denenberg P.C., based in Philadelphia. The case is being overseen by Judge JLS under Case ID No: 2:24-cv-2593.