Immigrants Unlawfully Detained by ICE in New York to Receive Over $100 Million in Compensation

More than 600 immigrants held in Suffolk County jails in New York in 2017 will receive over $112 million after a federal judge ruled they were unlawfully detained at the request of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, court filings show.

The ruling found Suffolk County and the Suffolk County Sheriff's Office financially liable for violating the constitutional rights of 674 people who remained jailed even after posting bail or resolving their criminal cases.

"This decision brings long-overdue accountability," José Pérez, deputy general counsel at LatinoJustice PRLDEF, said according to NewsNation. "The jury confirmed what we have argued all along, that Suffolk County's actions trampled the basic due process rights guaranteed under the 14th Amendment."

The lawsuit began after a Long Island resident from Guatemala said he was held beyond his scheduled release date for ICE's "administrative convenience." Although his family paid $1,000 bail on the condition that he appear in immigration court, he was not notified and was instead transferred to ICE custody in Manhattan and later jailed in New Jersey.

A federal judge determined he suffered physical and mental injuries, loss of liberty, humiliation, and economic harm.

The judgment comes as immigration arrests have intensified in Suffolk County, as CBS News reports. This month, multiple ICE detentions were reported in Hampton Bays, including officers entering businesses with weapons drawn and removing patrons.

Local advocates said the operations have heightened fear in immigrant communities. "We have seen agents now grab folks out of delis and small businesses," said Ahmed Perez, who runs a group tracking ICE activity. Business owners said the presence of masked agents since January has discouraged customers.

ICE has said recent operations in the region include arrests of roughly 250 people with alleged criminal histories. Some residents told CBS News New York they want authorities to show proof of criminality during the raids. Others said they oppose aggressive enforcement but believe due process should apply.

The ruling also comes ahead of major political and legal changes in New York City. Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani is expected to take office next year with strong backing from public defenders and civil-rights advocates. His administration will oversee the New York City Law Department and may influence how local agencies cooperate with federal immigration enforcement.

Advocates expect him to strengthen sanctuary policies, which limit information-sharing with ICE while some anticipate broader use of habeas corpus challenges to contest detention as legal strategies evolve.