An ICE agent screens tons of of asylum seekers being processed upon coming into the Jacob Ok. Javits Federal Constructing on June 6, 2023 in New York Metropolis. (Photograph by David Dee Delgado/Getty Pictures)
Nassau County police have been granted federal authority to detain unlawful immigrants instead of the U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement brokers, Nassau County Govt Bruce Blakeman introduced on Feb. 4.
The settlement to help President Donald Trump administration’s mass deportations permits 10 Nassau detectives the ability to implement immigration legislation when ICE brokers aren’t available. The plan will goal immigrants who’ve dedicated crimes, together with non-violent offenses, Blakeman stated.
Authorities have designated 50 jail cells to carry immigrants on the Nassau County jail in East Meadow. People who’re suspected, however not confirmed, to be undocumented immigrants could also be held in jail cells for as much as three days. ICE will now have a everlasting presence the jail, officers stated.
The New York Civil Liberties Union swiftly condemned the transfer.
The plan to “turn certain local law enforcement officers into de facto ICE agents” solely serves to undermine public security, the group stated in a press release.
“Most New York counties do not partner with ICE for a reason: when local law enforcement act like ICE agents, they take on ICE’s reputation and sow deep distrust within the community,” stated NYCLU Nassau County Regional Director Susan Gottehrer. “Immigrants become scared to speak to local police and under-report crimes due to fear of deportation — making it harder for officers to do their jobs and making everyone less safe.”
ICE reportedly reached out to Nassau in search of to collaborate. When the plan takes impact, Nassau would be the largest police power within the state with particular powers to help in mass deportations. The U.S. authorities will reimburse Nassau for his or her work, Blakeman stated.
To the east, Suffolk County police have stated they alert ICE when an immigrant is charged with a criminal offense however don’t ask witnesses their immigration standing. And the 5 East Finish police departments have stated that they comply with New York State legislation mandating that ICE have a judicial warrant earlier than they’ll detain a suspect on behalf of federal authorities.
Learn additionally: Nassau decide upholds Blakeman’s ban on trans girls in sports activities
