Atlanta, Ga. – Clayton County officials announced Tuesday that a drug‑search program at Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport has been terminated following a settlement with comedians Eric André and Clayton English. The settlement, approved by the county Board of Commissioners, provides each comedian $15,000 and requires new policing protocols.
Background of the lawsuit
André and English filed a lawsuit in October 2022 claiming they were stopped, questioned, and searched by Clayton County police while boarding flights, solely because they were Black. Both men said officers interrogated them about drugs in front of other travelers, describing the experience as “dehumanizing and demoralizing.” The lawsuit asserted that the program relied on racial profiling and that drug seizures were rare, while cash confiscated from passengers generated a financial windfall for the department.
Settlement details
The county’s Board of Commissioners authorized a total payment of $30,000, split evenly between the two plaintiffs. The agreement does not contain an admission of fault, but it does confirm that the controversial program has been ended and will not be reinstated. In addition, the settlement mandates that officers assigned to the airport wear body‑worn cameras and receive training on constitutional limits governing police encounters in airport settings.
Program statistics
Police records cited in the lawsuit show that between August 30, 2020, and April 30, 2021, officers made 402 stops on the jet bridge. Passenger race was recorded for 378 of those stops; 211 (56%) were Black, and people of color accounted for 258 stops (68%). The stops resulted in only three reported drug seizures – roughly 10 grams of an unspecified substance, 26 grams of suspected THC gummies, and six prescription pills without a prescription. Only two of the three individuals were charged.
Cash and money orders totaling more than $1 million were seized from 25 passengers. All but one of those passengers were allowed to continue their travel, and only the two individuals also found with drugs faced charges. Eight of the 25 passengers later challenged the seizures; the county settled each case, returning most of the seized money.
Reactions
Eric André issued a press release calling the settlement “a major victory” and emphasizing that the county’s confirmation of the program’s end protects citizens from future abuse. Clayton English added, “What happened to me was wrong, and I wasn’t willing to let it happen to other people.” A county spokesperson did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the settlement.
Implications for the community
The agreement highlights ongoing concerns about law‑enforcement practices that may infringe on constitutional rights, particularly the Fourth Amendment’s protection against unreasonable searches. By requiring body‑camera usage and constitutional‑law training, Clayton County aims to increase transparency and restore public confidence in airport security operations.
Local residents and travelers who have expressed worry about profiling and invasive searches can now expect clearer guidelines and oversight. The settlement also serves as a reminder that community members, including public figures, can hold law‑enforcement agencies accountable through the courts.
Original reporting: Dallas TX News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
