New York City agrees to $92.5 million settlement over ICE detainers affecting thousands of immigrants

New York City has agreed to pay $92.5 million to settle claims from up to 20,000 immigrants held on behalf of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) between 1997 and 2012. This settlement highlights the legal issues surrounding ICE detainers. Previously, the city cooperated with ICE detainers, which allowed for the extended detention of individuals beyond their release dates. However, New York City stopped this practice, asserting that the U.S. Constitution protects all individuals, regardless of immigration status. Federal courts have ruled that localities are not required to honor ICE detainers. The city maintains that it will not actively assist in immigration enforcement, while still allowing ICE to operate within its jurisdiction.