Suffolk County has announced plans to appeal a federal judge’s ruling that awarded nearly $112 million to approximately 700 immigrants unlawfully detained by the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office. The judge found that the county violated the Fourth Amendment by holding these individuals beyond their scheduled release dates, according to spokesperson Michael Martino.
The compensation is designated for 674 immigrants who were detained between July 18, 2014, and November 15, 2018. Many of these detentions occurred after the immigrants had already paid their bail, as the sheriff’s office responded to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detainer requests. This practice was halted by the sheriff’s office on the latter date. The county is contesting the jury’s decision, asserting that it will pursue an appeal.
Legal Context and Implications
This ruling comes shortly after a similar settlement in New York City, where the city agreed to pay up to $92.5 million for the unlawful detention of over 20,000 immigrants related to ICE. Despite the size of this previous settlement, attorney Andrew Case from LatinoJustice PRLDEF expressed to Gothamist his confidence in the identification process for those entitled to the current payout, even as the legal team prepares for Suffolk County’s appeal.
A federal jury in New York found the county liable for holding migrants past their release dates without proper notification. The ruling followed a denied motion by Suffolk County to dismiss the claims. The defense argued that local authorities should have the same immunity as federal agencies like ICE; however, Judge Kuntz firmly rejected this argument, stating that the “rule of law defines the power of the police: not the other way around.”
Deputy General Counsel José Pérez of LatinoJustice PRLDEF praised the jury’s decision as a victory for due process rights. He told Law360, “The jury confirmed what we have argued all along, that Suffolk County’s actions trampled the basic due process rights guaranteed under the 14th Amendment.”
Legal Representation and Future Steps
The legal team representing the detained immigrants included attorneys from Winston & Strawn LLP and LatinoJustice PRLDEF. Suffolk County’s defense was managed by attorneys from Dewey Pegno & Kramarsky LLP and the Suffolk County Attorney’s Office. As the appeal process unfolds, the implications of this case may have far-reaching effects on local law enforcement practices regarding immigration enforcement.
The situation highlights ongoing tensions between local authorities and federal immigration policies, underscoring the critical need for clarity in due process rights. As the appeal progresses, many will be watching closely to see how Suffolk County navigates this complex legal landscape and what it means for the individuals affected.
