Supreme Court weighs end to damages suits against federal officers

The Supreme Court is considering whether people can seek damages from federal officers for alleged constitutional violations, a case that could further narrow or effectively eliminate the remedy established in its 1971 Bivens decision. The dispute was brought by Kekai Watanabe, who says a federal prison nurse failed to arrange adequate care after he was injured in a 2021 prison fight in Hawaii; an X-ray months later showed a fractured tailbone, and his lawyers say he continues to suffer significant pain. The case comes amid increased scrutiny of federal officers’ conduct during the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown, including fatal shootings by ICE agents. Supporters of preserving Bivens warn that eliminating it could leave people with no meaningful way to sue federal agents for constitutional violations, while critics argue the court should not authorize damages claims absent congressional approval.