New York City has reached a staggering $92.5 million settlement over allegations that the Department of Correction unlawfully detained individuals based solely on detainer requests issued by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This monumental case highlights a systematic violation of rights that affected countless individuals who were held beyond their scheduled release dates.
The settlement pertains to cases where individuals were detained from April 1, 1997, to December 21, 2012, despite meeting all other release conditions. The Department of Correction allegedly ignored its own limitations, holding individuals far longer than the 48 hours permitted by ICE detainer requests, effectively trapping them in a legal limbo.
The lawsuit, filed by a group of plaintiffs, shines a light on the distressing practices within the city’s correctional facilities. The city has not admitted wrongdoing but opted for the settlement to resolve the claims and avoid prolonged litigation. The settlement is divided into two subclasses: the Statute of Limitations Group and the Recent Group, with payouts varying based on the length of unlawful detention.
For those in the Recent Group, average payments could reach between $20,000 and $48,000, while the Statute of Limitations Group members might receive between $10,000 and $24,000. Eligible individuals must submit a valid claim by May 15, 2025, to secure their share of this historic settlement.
This development raises critical questions about the treatment of detainees and the policies surrounding ICE detainers. As the final approval hearing approaches on October 6, 2025, the focus remains on how this settlement will impact future practices and the accountability of correctional institutions.
Individuals who believe they were wrongfully detained during the specified timeframe are urged to take action and file their claims promptly. This settlement serves as a stark reminder of the legal challenges faced by many in the immigration system and the ongoing need for reform.
