Appeals Court Rules Against Atlanta Family in FBI Raid Lawsuit

Atlanta family loses case against federal government over mistaken FBI raid, but agent may face liability. Latest legal developments.

Editorial Desk

October 8, 2026 One Min Read

POLICY WIRE — Atlanta, United States — An Atlanta family cannot sue the federal government for a 2017 FBI raid on their home, but they may hold the agent responsible, according to a recent ruling by a federal appeals court.

The incident occurred on October 18, 2017, when FBI agents mistakenly stormed into Trina Martin’s home in Atlanta, pointing guns at her and her then-boyfriend as their 7-year-old son cried from another room. The agents quickly realized their error and left, but the family filed a lawsuit alleging assault, false arrest, and other violations.

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A three-judge panel of the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the government was shielded from liability under a federal law exception, but the agent who led the SWAT team could still be held accountable. The decision leaves the door open for further legal action against the individual involved.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)

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