Nassau County Jail Leased to ICE for Detainee Housing

Nassau County Jail's Role in ICE Detainee Housing

• 📌 The federal government is leasing space within the Nassau County Jail for ICE detainees.
• 💰 Nassau County receives $195 per day per detainee as reimbursement for this arrangement.
• 🎯 This collaboration has led to over 1,400 individuals being held in the jail this year.

Concerns Raised by Advocates and Lawmakers

• 💬 Immigrant advocates express concerns about the difficulty of tracing detainees after they leave Nassau County facilities.
• ⚠️ American citizens have also reported feeling unsafe due to instances of citizens being detained.
• ⚖️ State lawmakers, after touring the facility, highlighted the need for transparency and accountability in the use of county facilities for ICE.

Conditions and Policies for Detainees

• 🏥 Lawmakers observed that detainees were provided with food, but noted the lack of showers and outdoor activity.
• ⏱️ Detainees can be held for a maximum of 72 hours under the current agreement, attributed to their brief stays.
• 🚿 Following attention to the conditions, showers will now be provided, though outdoor activity remains restricted to prevent mingling with the general population.

County Executive's Stance and Future Considerations

• 🤝 County Executive Blakeman states the cooperation with ICE enhances Nassau's safety.
• 🌱 He also believes there should be a path forward for individuals who have been working in the county for years, suggesting a need for a common-sense and compassionate formula.
• ❓ Lawmakers noted that while criminal activity is often the reason for detainment, ICE does not share specific information, making it difficult to confirm for all cases.