Nassau County Moves Forward with Local Law Enforcement Partnership with ICE
Nassau County is set to activate a significant partnership with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), aiming to deploy local police as federal immigration agents. This initiative is led by County Executive Bruce Blakeman, who emphasizes the importance of safeguarding communities from crime.
Blakeman recently indicated that ten police detectives are ready and trained to collaborate with ICE. While awaiting federal approval, the county’s police have already begun transferring arrestees into ICE custody after identifying them as undocumented during unrelated incidents. This proactive measure has drawn attention, particularly in light of a lawsuit filed against the county by the New York Civil Liberties Union (NYCLU), which seeks to halt the collaboration.
Blakeman remains steadfast in his belief that the partnership is both legal and necessary. “The residents of Nassau County overwhelmingly support removing criminals from our neighborhoods,” he stated. This sentiment echoes a broader desire among many residents for a safer community.
Despite the ongoing legal challenges, the police department has undertaken steps that may set a precedent for a stronger local immigration enforcement presence. Nassau Detective Lt. Scott Skrynecki explained that while the department has not yet actively participated in federal immigration actions, they remain prepared to assist ICE when called upon. He noted that since January, police have already passed at least fifteen undocumented individuals to ICE after discovering their status during arrests for various offenses.
Blakeman first announced this partnership in February, highlighting Nassau County’s potential to become the largest police force to receive authority from ICE, joining approximately 170 counties nationwide that have similar agreements. However, critics argue that such partnerships contradict state laws, particularly those aimed at protecting immigrant rights.
The NYCLU has expressed its concerns, arguing that the agreement between the county and federal officials undermines protections against unreasonable searches and could result in racial profiling. “Allowing local police to detain immigrants at ICE’s request is not within their defined powers,” stated Amy Belsher, a senior attorney with the NYCLU. The organization’s lawsuit claims that this arrangement violates existing state law and could potentially lead to discrimination against vulnerable community members.
This legal battle is significant, as it represents a critical moment in the ongoing debate over immigration enforcement in New York. Historically, the state has adopted a sanctuary approach, limiting local law enforcement’s cooperation with federal immigration authorities. A past ruling by a state court asserted that local police cannot execute immigration arrests upon ICE’s request, which creates a complicated legal backdrop for Nassau’s efforts.
Blakeman, however, remains undeterred, asserting that the partnership falls within legal bounds, even in the face of opposition. He insists that empowering local police to work alongside federal authorities will enhance community safety and enhance the effectiveness of law enforcement in combating crime.
The political climate remains contentious. Protests against the partnership have drawn significant crowds, reflecting a community divided on the issue. Furthermore, the New York Attorney General has advised local departments to reconsider any agreements with ICE, citing the unsettled legal landscape regarding the 287(g) program, which grants local law enforcement the authority to make civil immigration arrests.
As of now, Nassau County awaits ICE’s green light to activate the partnership fully. If approved, this could position Nassau as a significant player in the national immigration enforcement dialogue, highlighting a stark contrast with neighboring locales that continue to maintain sanctuary policies.
The outcome of this partnership will likely have long-term implications for both local policing and immigration enforcement strategies. As tensions continue to rise, residents of Nassau County are watching closely to see how this initiative unfolds in the coming weeks and months.
