Attorneys representing family members of Ray Mattia are seeking policy changes regarding federal interactions with tribal communities.
TUCSON, Ariz.—Relatives of an Arizona man who was shot and killed by federal agents on sovereign tribal land in May plan to sue U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) over his “wrongful death.”
On Nov. 17, attorneys representing Ray Mattia’s next of kin gathered outside the federal courthouse in Tucson, where they announced formal notice of the pending lawsuit under the U.S. Tort Claims Act.
The notice is a necessary first step in allowing the government to respond before the family launches a civil rights lawsuit, according to the family’s attorneys.
“Mr. Mattia’s five siblings and two children seek justice for his wrongful death,” the notice reads. “Mr. Mattia was a loved and valued member of his community. He was a talented artist, storyteller, and a loving father to his children and family.”
“It was murder,” said Martha Mattia of her cousin’s death. “He called for help. They came and killed him,” she told The Epoch Times.
The fatal shooting occurred on the night of May 18 after Mr. Mattia, 56, called tribal police to report illegal immigrants…
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