NYCLU v. U.S. Department of Homeland Security (Seeking access to information about Lower Manhattan Security Initiative)

This lawsuit challenges the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s refusal to disclose public records about the massive surveillance system it is helping the NYPD develop in downtown Manhattan. The planned system, called the Lower Manhattan Security Initiative, will establish a network of thousands of surveillance cameras to monitor and track vehicles and pedestrians south of Canal Street. The system will allow the NYPD, and possibly the federal government, to create a computerized database on the movement and whereabouts of millions of law-abiding New Yorkers. Modeled after London’s often-criticized Ring of Steel surveillance network, the system is expected to cost about $100 million. But other than its price tag, little is known is known about new surveillance program.

In October 2007, the NYCLU filed a formal request under the federal Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) seeking a range of documents concerning the planned surveillance system. Since then, and following a second FOIA request and numerous administrative appeals, the DHS has turned over only a few responsive records. Most of the handful of documents it produced was heavily redacted. The lawsuit was filed on June 9, 2009. The NYCLU is seeking details about: