Nassau Police Stop Detaining Immigrants For ICE: Report

NASSAU COUNTY, NY — Nassau County police will no longer detain immigrants eligible to be released but are set for deportation by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE, according to a Newsday report. Nassau police said they amended the policy in late 2018.

"This decision was years in the making," said Elise de Castillo, executive director of Central American Refugee Center, according to the Newsday report. "This decision brings Nassau one step closer to being safer, not just for immigrants, but for everyone."

Critics of the policy say it discourages immigrants from cooperating with law enforcement for fear of deportation.

The Newsday article reported the department stopped holding immigrant arrestees on ICE detainers in late 2018, and rescinded the policy on Jan. 3, but county attorneys waited until March 4 to announce the change in policy.

Commissioner of Police Patrick Ryder told Patch in a statement that in December 2018, the police department changed its policy "of detaining undocumented immigrants on ICE Administrative Detainers," after a decision of the New York State Appellate Division and an internal review of their procedures.

"We will continue to work with our federal partners during multi jurisdictional investigations as we continue to reduce crime. The Police Department continues to work with our residents to create trust and respect which will ultimately enhance positive community relationships which is important to building bridges with our neighbors," the statement said.