Lemu v. Factory Mutual Insurance Company

**Court Rules Against Worker in FBI Records Request Case** In Lemu v. Factory Mutual Insurance Company, a worker sued the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) seeking access to records through the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). The worker claimed the FBI had not properly searched for or released documents they had requested. The court sided with the FBI, ruling that the agency had conducted an adequate search for the requested records. The court also found that the FBI was justified in using "Glomar responses" - a legal practice where agencies refuse to confirm or deny whether certain records even exist. The FBI argued this was necessary to protect sensitive law enforcement and intelligence information from being disclosed. This ruling matters for workers because it shows the limits of what government employees and the public can access through FOIA requests when dealing with law enforcement agencies. While FOIA is designed to promote government transparency, courts will protect the FBI's ability to keep sensitive investigative and intelligence materials confidential. Workers seeking government records should understand that agencies can legally refuse to release information that could compromise ongoing investigations or national security matters.