Opinion ID: 3065484
Heading Depth: 4
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Exigent Circumstances Doctrine

Text: [6] Even if Reyes-Bosque had standing to challenge the December 2005 search of Unit 4, however, the search was justified by the exigent circumstances doctrine. In order to prove that the exigent circumstances doctrine justified a warrantless search, the government must show that: “(1) considering the totality of the circumstances, law enforcement had an objectively reasonable basis for concluding that there was an immediate need to protect others or themselves from serious harm; and (2) the search’s scope and manner were reasonable to meet the need.” United States v. Snipe, 515 F.3d 947, 952 (9th Cir. 2008); see also Brigham City, Utah v. Stuart, 547 U.S. 398, 404-06 (2006). [7] In this case, the agents had an objectively reasonable basis for believing that there was an immediate need to protect the individuals in Unit 4. “In determining whether such 3218 UNITED STATES v. REYES-BOSQUE an entry is objectively reasonable, the Supreme Court has ‘consistently eschewed bright-line rules, instead emphasizing the fact-specific nature of the reasonableness inquiry,’ and looked to the totality of the circumstances.” Snipe, 515 F.3d at 953 (quoting Ohio v. Robinette, 519 U.S. 33, 39 (1996)). Considering the totality of the circumstances, Rodriguez and Martinez knew that three illegal aliens had escaped from Unit 4 after being held there for a few days. They also knew that approximately twenty more illegal aliens were being held in the house, and had been instructed not to leave. Additionally, after Rodriguez knocked on the door, Martinez saw someone attempting to escape from the house, adding to the officer’s suspicion that there was an emergency situation inside the house. Based on this information, the agents had an objectively reasonable basis for believing that entry into Unit 4 was required to protect others in the unit. Even if they subjectively desired to enter Unit 4 for the purpose of seizing evidence of alien smuggling, we consider the reasonableness of their actions based on an objective standard. Brigham, 547 U.S. at 404 (“The officer’s subjective motivation is irrelevant.”). Likewise, the scope and manner of the search was reasonable. Before entering, the agents knocked and announced their presence. Although the agents entered with their guns drawn, they immediately put them away and began securing the individuals inside the house. Given the number of people inside Unit 4, it was reasonable for the agents to search each room of the house. Because the agents had an objectively reasonable basis for believing that there was an immediate need to enter Unit 4 for the protection of possible victims, and because they conducted the search in a reasonable manner, the evidence they discovered is admissible. Brigham, 547 U.S. at 406-07; Snipe, 515 F.3d at 952. Finally, the fact that the agents waited for backup before entering Unit 4 does not negate their reliance on an emergency justification. “[T]he critical time for determining whether any exigency exists is the moment the officer makes UNITED STATES v. REYES-BOSQUE 3219 the warrantless entry.” United States v. Johnson, 256 F.3d 895, 907 (9th Cir. 2001) (per curiam) (en banc). We have previously held that officers should obtain a search warrant if time permits. See Michigan v. Tyler, 436 U.S. 499, 509 (1978) (“Our decisions have recognized that a warrantless entry by criminal law enforcement officials may be legal when there is compelling need for official action and no time to secure a warrant.”); Fisher v. City of San Jose, 509 F.3d 952, 960-61 (9th Cir. 2007); United States v. Reid, 226 F.3d 1020, 1028 (9th Cir. 2000). However, if there is insufficient time to obtain a search warrant, officers can enter the premises, even if they have waited for backup. See United States v. Lindsey, 877 F.2d 777, 781-82 (9th Cir. 1989) (exigent circumstances still present after officers waited an hour for backup to arrive in order to enter a home to conduct a warrantless search for explosives); cf. Fisher, 509 F.3d at 962 (no exigent circumstances because no officer attempted to get a warrant during twelve-hour standoff). [8] Given the circumstances and what the agents knew in this case, the exigent circumstances doctrine justifies their search. The officers waited only fifteen to twenty minutes for backup, less than the amount of time found reasonable in Lindsey. 877 F.2d at 781-82. Moreover, the circumstances did not change in the twenty minutes while the officers waited and donned protective gear, so there was no indication that the emergency had dissipated. See id. at 782 (“[T]he delay did not dissipate the exigency. The source remained in possession of dangerous explosives . . . .”). When Agent Perez did arrive, the three agents moved quickly to search the premises and secure the illegal immigrants. See id. Nor would it have been practical for the officers to obtain a warrant during the time they waited for backup: while we strongly encourage officers to obtain a warrant before searching a home, see Fisher, 509 F.3d at 958, we have also recognized that obtaining a warrant is not a simple procedure that can be accomplished in under an hour, let alone twenty minutes, see Lindsey, 877 F.2d at 782. Accordingly, the district court properly concluded that 3220 UNITED STATES v. REYES-BOSQUE the search of Unit 4 was justified by the exigent circumstances doctrine, and that the evidence found during the search was admissible. Furthermore, the magistrate properly relied on evidence seized from that unit in issuing the warrant for the February 2006 searches.