Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel led a bipartisan group of 32 attorneys general in filing an amicus brief with the U.S. Supreme Court on Apr. 2, asking the court to uphold the constitutionality of geofence warrants in Chatrie v. United States.
The coalition said these warrants are essential for law enforcement to investigate crimes and ensure public safety, especially when suspects are unknown. The case could have broad implications for how police use technology while respecting constitutional rights.
“Without access to this critical technology, countless violent crimes may go unsolved, undoubtedly making our communities less safe and denying justice to victims,” Nessel said. “The Fourth Amendment is a cornerstone of our Constitution, but it was never intended to serve as a shield for criminal activity. When supported by probable cause and judicial approval, geofence warrants are vital, constitutional tools that allow law enforcement to protect the public without compromising fundamental rights.”
Geofence warrants allow police—under judicial supervision—to request location data from third-party providers within a specific area and time frame when investigating a crime at a known location but with no identified suspect. The coalition argued that such warrants meet established Fourth Amendment requirements like probable cause and particularity, according to their brief.
The Michigan Department of Attorney General has previously advanced social efforts through actions against human trafficking and support for vulnerable populations according to its official website. The department also focuses on serving residents through initiatives in public service and protection according to its official website. Nessel is Michigan’s 54th attorney general according to the official website, leading an office with statewide authority tasked with safeguarding residents according to its official website.
In recent years, the department influenced policy by drafting Michigan’s Clean Slate law in 2019 for expungement opportunities according to its official website.
Nessel was joined by Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird as well as attorneys general from several other states including Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana and others.
