Overview

• The lawsuit, filed June 25 in Nassau County Supreme Court on behalf of immigrant advocates and faith groups, argues the 287(g) pact with ICE breaches state law and invites racial profiling
• Under the February agreement, 10 county detectives were authorized to verify immigration status of arrested individuals and hold undocumented immigrants for ICE transfer
• County Executive Bruce Blakeman has pledged to continue the partnership, insisting it is legally sound and vital for public safety despite the legal challenge
• The Department of Homeland Security has defended its 287(g) program nationwide, rejecting profiling claims and noting the number of agreements has jumped from 135 to 719 since January
• The recent arrest of Port Washington bagel shop owner Fernando Mejia for overstaying his visa highlights immigrant fears that the policy will discourage crime reporting