Medina v. United States

Background

Ian Anthony Medina, appearing without a lawyer, filed a proposed class action against the United States of America. He alleged that the United States had targeted and carried out a plan involving espionage, surveillance, and genocide against him and the proposed class. According to the complaint, members of the proposed class heard sounds and saw holographic images, which Medina alleged resulted from devices implanted in their eyes and ears after the United States entered their residences and incapacitated them. He sought declaratory relief, injunctive relief, and monetary damages.

The court had previously allowed Medina to proceed without paying filing fees in advance. Under the federal screening statutes, the court explained that it must dismiss a complaint that is frivolous, fails to state a claim, or seeks money from a defendant protected from such relief. The court also noted that it must read filings by people without lawyers liberally.

Ruling

The court concluded that, even when read liberally, Medina's claims were irrational and had no legal theory on which he could rely. It therefore dismissed the action as frivolous under 28 U.S.C. § 1915(e)(2)(B)(i). The court declined to give Medina an opportunity to amend because it found that the defects could not be cured by amendment. The opinion does not state that the dismissal was with or without prejudice.

Judge Colleen McMahon also certified that any appeal would not be taken in good faith and denied Medina fee-free status for purposes of an appeal. The Clerk of Court was directed to mail the order to Medina and record service on the docket.