Nassau County police in New York will now have federal powers to arrest and deport immigrants involved in criminal activity.

The agreement, made with the Trump administration and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), provides special powers to local law enforcement in Nassau County as well as federal funding to detain undocumented individuals committing crimes, as the New York Post reports.

Nassau County Seeks to Combat Migrant Crime

Under the new agreement, Nassau County police will adopt additional roles in managing immigration enforcement. The partnership, which was swiftly endorsed by Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, includes the ability for ICE to "cross-designate" 10 detectives in the county with federal immigration enforcement powers.

This initiative is part of ICE’s 287(g) program, which enables ICE to extend its immigration enforcement authority to regional law enforcement entities.

As a result of participating in this initiative, the county will also receive federal funds to assist in this newly expanded facet of policing.

Nassau County will now hold individuals suspected of immigration violations for up to 72 hours, providing ICE with an ongoing presence in the county jail. Blakeman highlighted that this development marks a reversal from his predecessor’s policy, which had previously removed ICE from the county jail.

New Powers for Police in Area

Becoming among the largest police force in New York State to gain these powers, Nassau County aims to leverage the agreement to disrupt migrant gangs and crime rings. Blakeman emphasized his belief that the program will improve community safety by targeting those involved in crime rather than law-abiding undocumented residents.

The enforcement process will see a shift, with officers notifying ICE when undocumented individuals are released on appearance tickets. Nassau Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder explained that in cases where ICE needs detainees, designated detectives will be able to transfer them to the county jail under an ICE detainer.

The program includes a reservation of 50 jail cells specifically for illegal immigrants involved in crimes. This step is intended to bolster efforts against criminal activity while ensuring those accused of such actions are detained effectively.

Reactions from Officials and Community

The move has drawn varied reactions. ICE acting deputy field office director Bryan Flanagan expressed gratitude for Nassau County's collaboration. He mentioned that the partnership will enhance public safety by allowing potentially dangerous offenders to be housed in a secure environment.

Meanwhile, Blakeman reinforced his support for the initiative, underscoring targeted enforcement rather than indiscriminate raids. He believes that establishing repercussions for criminal activity will deter repeat offenses within the community.

However, the agreement has faced opposition from some immigration advocates and civil rights groups. Critics argue that the collaboration could result in harm to immigrant communities and a loss of trust in law enforcement.

Concerns for Immigrant Communities

Susan Gottehrer from the New York Civil Liberties Union criticized the policy, contending it would undermine trust between the community and law enforcement. She warned that partnerships such as these send a negative message to immigrant communities about their safety and protection.

Gottehrer also highlighted that New York state law does not allow local officers to detain individuals solely for civil immigration violations. Her concerns center around the potential for local law enforcement to overstep their expertise by engaging in immigration enforcement.

LatinoJustice PRLDEF, through its president Lourdes Rosado, denounced the program as "dangerous and unlawful." Rosado emphasized that local law enforcement's main duty is to safeguard all residents, cautioning that the agreement could lead to indiscriminate raids.

Potential Legal Challenges Ahead

Both the NYCLU and LatinoJustice PRLDEF have hinted at possible legal action against Nassau County’s agreement with ICE. They believe the program could lead to violations of civil rights within the community.

Despite these criticisms, Blakeman remains resolute, asserting that serious crimes committed by illegal immigrants need to be addressed. He mentioned various criminal activities attributed to illegal immigrants, including drug trafficking and violent offenses.

The debate surrounding Nassau County’s collaboration with ICE underscores the tension between immigration enforcement and community trust. As the county moves forward with this newly expanded role, scrutiny from both supporters and detractors is likely to continue.