The West Indian Semaroon Tribe of the Americas, Inc. has filed a significant lawsuit against the City of New York and several city officials, alleging violations of constitutional rights and discrimination. The complaint was filed on February 20, 2026, in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York against defendants including the Mayor of New York City, the City Sheriff, and other high-ranking officials.
The plaintiffs in this case are Stanley Pierre and The West Indian Semaroon Tribe of the Americas, Inc., who argue that their rights under multiple amendments to the U.S. Constitution have been violated. They claim that actions taken by New York City's law enforcement agencies have disproportionately targeted them due to their racial and cultural identity. Specifically, they cite violations under Sections 1981, 1983, 1985, 1986, and 1988 of Title 42 of the United States Code as well as breaches under the Religious Freedom Restoration Act.
According to the complaint, Mr. Pierre was arrested on November 5, 2025, during a raid conducted by a joint task force involving various city departments. The task force allegedly found cannabis products in a vehicle owned by Pleasure & Wellness Inc., which is linked to Mr. Pierre. The plaintiffs argue that Mr. Pierre's arrest was unlawful as it lacked probable cause and no Miranda warnings were provided at the time of his arrest. Furthermore, they allege that property seized during this operation was never returned.
The plaintiffs assert that these actions reflect broader systemic issues within New York City's law enforcement practices which fail to apply laws equally across different racial groups. They highlight historical injustices faced by communities like theirs and claim that such biases continue to manifest today through discriminatory policing practices.
In their legal filing, they seek several forms of relief from the court including compensatory damages amounting to $7 million for pain and suffering endured due to these proceedings; punitive damages totaling $70 million aimed at deterring future violations; an order mandating return of confiscated property; dismissal of all charges against Mr. Pierre or any affiliated entities; recognition as an indigenous tribe with rights protected under international declarations; injunctions preventing further unlawful actions by city authorities related to cannabis enforcement without prior consultation with affected communities like theirs.
Representing them legally is C.A Morrison Esq., while Judge Diane Gujarati presides over this case alongside Magistrate Judge James R Cho under Case ID: 1:26-cv-00991-DG-JRC.
Source: 126cv00991_Pierre_v_City_of_New_York_Complaint_Eastern_District_New_York.pdf