Allen v. Department of Homeland Security
Opinion
Opinion
MEMORANDUM
Kenneth Lee Allen appeals pro se from the district court’s judgment dismissing his Freedom of Information Act (“FOIA”) action arising from the denial of his request for information from defendants regarding President Barack Obama and “Barry Soe-toro.” We have jurisdiction under 28 U.S.C. § 1291 . We review de novo, Cal. State Foster Parent Ass’n v. Wagner, 624 F.3d 974, 978 (9th Cir.2010), and we affirm.
The district court properly dismissed Allen’s FOIA claims because, even assuming the public’s interest in disclosure was at stake, Allen failed to comply with agency regulations requiring Allen to include the requisite third-party authorization. See United States v. Steele (In re Steele), 799 F.2d 461, 466 (9th Cir.1986) (“Where no attempt to comply fully with agency procedures has been made, the courts will assert their lack of jurisdiction under the exhaustion doctrine.”); 6 C.F.R. § 5.3 (a) (requirement that a FOIA request for information regarding living third parties must include a written authorization signed by that individual permitting disclosure of records); 22 C.F.R. § 171.12 (a) (same).
Allen’s remaining arguments are unpersuasive.