In New York, a legal challenge has been launched against an agreement allowing local police in Nassau County to perform immigration arrests in conjunction with federal authorities. Civil rights advocates argue that the arrangement, which was formalized in February between the county and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), contravenes state law, infringes upon individual rights, and could result in racial profiling.
This lawsuit, filed on Tuesday, is the latest scrutiny of these types of collaborations across the United States. Known as 287(g) agreements, such partnerships with ICE expand immigration enforcement capabilities, aiding in the pursuit of the previous administration’s deportation objectives. Although numerous police departments nationwide have enacted similar agreements, their presence is scarce in New York due to state regulations that restrict local law enforcement’s cooperation with federal immigration forces.
In addition to Nassau County, Broome County and Niagara County have recently entered similar agreements, accompanied by Rensselaer County, as reported by the New York Civil Liberties Union. This lawsuit, orchestrated by the union, is backed by the Diocese of Long Island, immigrant and refugee support organizations, and two residents from Long Island, where Nassau County is located immediately east of New York City.
“This unlawful agreement isn’t about safety, reason, or the rule of law — it’s about fear mongering and needlessly hurting immigrant communities,” stated Rubin Danberg-Biggs, a Skadden fellow with the New York Civil Liberties Union, in a recent announcement.
Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, a Republican and ally of the Trump administration, explained that ten county police detectives would be granted authority synonymous with federal immigration officers to collaborate in apprehending individuals residing illegally in the country. The enforcement strategy involves verifying the immigration status of those accused of crimes and alerting ICE if they are found to be undocumented. Additionally, the plan entails the placement of local officers within ICE operations and utilizes local jail facilities for temporary detainment until suspects are transferred to federal custody.
Blakeman’s spokesperson, Chris Boyle, remarked, “We are not aware of any lawsuit at this time,” and, although usually refraining from commenting on litigation, expressed that the executive is confident all actions taken to secure Nassau County communities are lawful and appropriately sanctioned. An effort has been made to collect a response from ICE.
Melanie Creps, the executive director of the Central American Refugee Center and one of the lawsuit’s complainants, highlighted that approximately 22% of Nassau County’s 1.4 million inhabitants, translating to over 300,000 individuals, are immigrants. She emphasized, “The 287(g) agreement between ICE and the Nassau County Police Department has created fear, eroded trust, and made immigrants, and all of our communities, less safe.” Creps added that this agreement undermines communal security by discouraging immigrants from seeking assistance or reporting criminal activity.