Opinion ID: 2974339
Heading Depth: 4
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Nexus Test

Text: Durante also argues that the FTC defendants qualify as state actors under the nexus test. This contention merits only brief discussion. To satisfy the nexus test, a claimant “must demonstrate that there is a sufficiently close nexus between the government and the private party’s conduct so that the conduct may be fairly attributed to the state itself.” Chapman, 319 F.3d at 834. The nexus can be established with evidence of a customary or preexisting arrangement between the government and the private actor. Hernandez v. Schwegmann Bros. Giant Supermarkets, Inc., 673 F.2d 771, 772 (5th Cir. 1982). Here, Durante has failed to present evidence of a preexisting arrangement between the FTC and the government, relying instead on his conclusory assertion that, because he was transported by FTC security to the DPD station without objection by the department, an arrangement must have existed. He presents no evidence of detainee transportation happening on a prior occasion, let alone any evidence from which we could infer a customary or preexisting arrangement. Durante has failed to offer any evidence that the FTC defendants acted under color of state law, either under the public function or nexus tests. Accordingly, summary judgment stands on his 42 U.S.C. § 1983 claim against them.