NCJ Number
141362
Journal
Harvard Journal of Law and Public Policy Volume: 13 Issue: 3 Dated: (Summer 1990) Pages: 1037-1049
Date Published
1990
Length
13 pages
Annotation
The U.S. Supreme Court's recent decision in United States v. Verdugo-Urquidez held that the fourth amendment does not apply to the search and seizure by U.S. agents of a nonresident alien's property on foreign soil.
Abstract
In January 1986, at the request of U.S. officials, Mexican police officers apprehended Verdugo-Urquidez and transferred him to the United States. He was arrested by U.S. agents pursuant to a valid warrant, but no warrant was issued for the subsequent search of his Mexican homes. Verdugo-Urquidez was indicted on 41 counts of narcotics- related crimes. On appeal, the Supreme Court rejected the assumption that the U.S. Constitution circumscribes government actions abroad. While denying Verdugo-Urquidez any fourth amendment protection, however, the Supreme Court left unclear what would constitute a "significant voluntary connection" sufficient to trigger fourth amendment protection for aliens. 50 footnotes