Suffolk County has announced plans to appeal a federal court’s decision that awarded nearly $112 million to approximately 700 immigrants unlawfully detained by the county’s Sheriff’s Office. This ruling stems from a finding that the county violated Fourth Amendment protections by detaining individuals beyond their scheduled release dates. According to county spokesperson Michael Martino, the appeal will challenge the jury’s verdict, asserting that the county’s actions were justified.
The ruling, issued by a federal jury, pertains to the treatment of 674 immigrants detained between July 18, 2014, and November 15, 2018. Many of these individuals were held even after their bail had been paid, primarily due to requests from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This practice was ceased by the county sheriff’s office following the latter date.
Legal experts have drawn parallels between this case and a recent 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. Attorney Andrew Case from LatinoJustice PRLDEF, who represents the plaintiffs, expressed confidence that identifying the individuals eligible for the current payout would be straightforward, despite the impending appeal from Suffolk County.
A detailed summary of the case from Law360 indicates that the jury’s decision was a significant affirmation of due process rights. The court found Suffolk County liable for detaining immigrants without proper notification regarding their release. This ruling followed the denial of the county’s motion to dismiss the claims, where the defense unsuccessfully argued for immunity similar to that of federal agencies like ICE. Judge Kuntz firmly stated that “the rule of law defines the power of the police: not the other way around.”
José Pérez, Deputy General Counsel for LatinoJustice PRLDEF, celebrated the jury’s verdict, emphasizing the importance of accountability in preventing future abuses. He remarked, “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.”
The legal representation for the immigrants included attorneys from Winston & Strawn LLP and LatinoJustice PRLDEF, while Suffolk County’s defense was handled by Dewey Pegno & Kramarsky LLP and the Suffolk County Attorney’s Office.
As the case moves forward, the implications of this ruling could resonate beyond Suffolk County, potentially influencing how local law enforcement agencies interact with federal immigration policies. The appeal process will likely unfold over the coming months, as both sides prepare to present their arguments in court.
