Nassau County brushes off NYCLU lawsuit, vows to move forward with plan to deputize local cops to ‘partner’ with ICE

Nassau County’s County Executive Bruce Blakeman (R) has made a bold decision to move forward with plans to deputize 10 detectives to work with ICE, despite facing a new lawsuit that claims the move is illegal under the state’s sanctuary policies.

Blakeman remains unfazed by the legal challenge brought forth by the New York Civil Liberties Union and other immigrant rights groups. He stated that the team will proceed with their partnership with ICE, emphasizing that they will vigorously defend their right to collaborate with federal immigration authorities.

The lawsuit alleges that the agreement between Nassau police and ICE violates state orders by allowing local officers to act as federal immigration agents. It argues that this undermines protections against unreasonable searches and seizures and could lead to racial profiling by allowing officers to target, arrest, and assist in the deportation of undocumented immigrants based on mere suspicion.

Despite a 2018 state court ruling that deemed it illegal for local law enforcement to make immigration arrests at the request of federal agencies, Blakeman announced the partnership with ICE shortly after President Trump’s re-election. The move has sparked protests and calls for an end to cooperation with ICE in Nassau County.

While the deputy partnership with ICE is still in the works and has not been officially implemented, Nassau and Suffolk police have expressed their willingness to assist federal immigration officers when called upon. However, they have assured the public that they will not question victims or witnesses on their immigration status and that ICE will not conduct raids at sensitive locations such as schools, hospitals, or churches.

Blakeman has defended the partnership by stating that they are only targeting criminals who pose a threat to society, such as those who have committed serious offenses like rape and burglary. However, critics argue that the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement efforts have gone too far.

US Rep. Tom Suozzi has called for the release of Fernando Mejia, a beloved 40-year-old Port Washington bagel store owner who was arrested for allegedly overstaying his visa by over 20 years. Mejia has no criminal record, yet he was detained by ICE. Another case involved 23-year-old US citizen Elzon Lemus, who was briefly detained by ICE agents during a traffic stop in Westbury.

Despite the legal challenges and public outcry, Blakeman remains resolute in his decision to work with ICE. The controversial partnership continues to stir debate and raise concerns about the impact on immigrant communities in Nassau County.