A federal judge in Massachusetts has expressed concern over the U.S. government’s retention of data extracted from an immigration attorney’s cellphone, highlighting potential risks to client confidentiality and the possibility of using the information to identify and arrest immigrants.
On September 28, 2025, federal agents seized the cellphone of attorney Andrew G. Lattarulo at Boston Logan International Airport upon his return from Aruba. Lattarulo, known for his advocacy on immigrant rights through his Instagram account, filed a civil lawsuit alleging the seizure was unlawful and requested the return of his device and the destruction of any data obtained. ([bostonglobe.com](https://www.bostonglobe.com/2025/10/07/metro/immigration-lawyer-cellphone-seized/?utm_source=openai))
U.S. District Court Judge Allison D. Burroughs initially issued a temporary order preventing the government from searching the phone or utilizing any extracted data. During a hearing on October 7, 2025, federal prosecutor Eve A. Piemonte informed the court that the phone had been returned to Lattarulo; however, the government had already conducted a search based on “reasonable suspicion” and intended to retain the data. ([bostonglobe.com](https://www.bostonglobe.com/2025/10/07/metro/immigration-lawyer-cellphone-seized/?utm_source=openai))
Judge Burroughs expressed apprehension about the potential misuse of the information, stating, “What I don’t want is people taking the names of his clients off of his phone and going to those people’s houses and arresting them.” She scheduled a subsequent hearing for October 20 to further address the matter, maintaining the temporary order until then. ([bostonglobe.com](https://www.bostonglobe.com/2025/10/07/metro/immigration-lawyer-cellphone-seized/?utm_source=openai))
This incident underscores the ongoing tension between federal immigration enforcement and the protection of attorney-client privilege. The Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office has previously issued guidance to immigrants and their families regarding their rights during encounters with immigration enforcement, emphasizing the importance of understanding legal protections. ([mass.gov](https://www.mass.gov/news/ag-campbell-issues-guidance-for-immigrants-families-and-communities-on-ice-enforcement?utm_source=openai))
The case also reflects broader national debates over immigration enforcement practices and the rights of legal professionals representing immigrant communities. The outcome of this legal challenge may have significant implications for the confidentiality of attorney-client communications and the extent of federal authority in such matters.