A federal judge ruled that police violated the rights of more than 100 people who were arrested or searched while attending an art gallery event in 2008.

Masked police with weapons drawn stormed the Contemporary Art Institute of Detroit after reporting the smell of marijauna and the illegal consumption of alcohol. More than 40 cars were seized and held until patrons paid $900 plus towing and storage fees.

The American Civil Liberties Union filed a lawsuit on behalf of nine patrons, among 130 people who they say were illegally searched and arrested, even when no alcohol was found and not all patrons knew of any illegal activity going on.

The judge's ruling paves the way for another trial to determine a financial reward for the patrons, if a settlement is not reached between the city and ACLU.