Thread by @TraceEVMitchell

In IJ’s unconstitutional traffic stop case in Texas, the officer said he wanted to search our client’s truck as he was acting suspicious.

But our client was calm and forthright throughout the entire interaction! So, what will an officer label “suspicious”?

A shocking amount:

• It’s suspicious if you act too nervous. 612 F.3d 341.
• It’s suspicious if you act too calm. 551 F.2d 991.
• It’s suspicious if you make too much eye contact. 622 F.2d 1218.
• It’s suspicious if you make too little eye contact. 799 F.2d 704.

• It’s suspicious if you walk with too much purpose. 912 F.2d 1014.
• It’s suspicious if you walk with too little purpose. 908 F.2d 497.
• It’s suspicious if you travel with luggage. 625 F.2d 9.
• It’s suspicious if you travel without luggage. 555 F.2d 594.

• It’s suspicious if you take a one-way trip. 878 F.2d 469.
• It’s suspicious if you take a round-trip. 555 F.2d 594.
• It’s suspicious if you deplane too early. 912 F.2d 1014.
• It’s suspicious if you deplane too late. 446 U.S. 544.

• It’s suspicious if you travel with others. 799 F.2d 704.
• It’s suspicious if you travel alone. 890 F.2d 1413.

I guess my question is, in the eyes of law enforcement officers, is there any behavior that isn’t considered suspicious?

For anyone interested in following this case more closely: ij.org/case/texas-tra…