Nassau County Police Partner with ICE: A Significant Shift in Immigration Enforcement

Nassau County police officers will now play an essential role in federal immigration enforcement. County Executive Bruce Blakeman describes this development as a “big change” that was “sorely needed.” The partnership aims to enhance public safety within one of the largest counties in the United States.

Collaborating for Safer Communities

In an interview with Fox News Digital, Blakeman, a Republican, detailed that the Nassau County Police Department will embed ten detectives with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This strategy is designed to specifically target illegal immigrant criminals operating in the county.

Additionally, the Nassau County Correctional Center will dedicate a specific area for holding illegal immigrant criminals, allowing ICE the capacity to temporarily detain individuals pending their removal from the United States.

Federal Support and Resources

As part of this arrangement, Nassau County expects federal funding to reimburse the costs associated with additional personnel and the necessary jail space made available for ICE. This financial support emphasizes the county’s commitment to collaborative law enforcement efforts aimed at increasing community safety.

A Shift in Enforcement Practices

Blakeman stated, “Now we can call ICE up and they will come in to detain or deport these individuals.” He expressed his belief that this partnership would drastically enhance the safety of Nassau residents. According to him, the initial proposal for this collaboration came from ICE shortly after President Donald Trump assumed office.

The county executive underscored the importance of working with federal law enforcement agencies, declaring, “I thought it was the right thing to do, and I believe this will result in a safer community. I’m grateful that President Trump allows ICE to carry out their responsibilities.”

Challenges with State Policies

Blakeman highlighted that New York State’s asylum policies have historically hindered collaboration between local authorities and ICE, complicating efforts to enforce federal immigration laws. He criticized state leaders, like Attorney General Letitia James, who have threatened legal actions against law enforcement for assisting ICE with removal operations.

Addressing Crimes Involving Illegal Immigrants

In a poignant remark, Blakeman recalled a troubling case involving an illegal migrant linked to the sexual assault of a young girl. He expressed grave concerns over crimes involving illegal immigrants, such as the influx of fentanyl from the southern border, which poses significant risks to the community.

He asserted, “Now, those involved in such activities will either be permanently detained or deported, leading to a safer community.” This emphasis on accountability aligns with the county’s renewed commitment to public safety.

Future of the Partnership

Blakeman clarified that Nassau County officers would not carry out immigration raids with ICE. Instead, they will work collaboratively to ensure that the transition for undocumented migrants involved in criminal activities occurs smoothly.

He went on to explain the protocol: “If a police officer arrests someone for a crime, a background check will determine if the individual is in the country illegally. If so, we will notify ICE, who will handle their removal.” This process aims to maintain a balance between law enforcement duties and immigration policies.

Looking Ahead: A Safer Nassau County

As this partnership unfolds, Blakeman remains optimistic about its long-term impact. He noted that after President Joe Biden’s election, directives discouraged ICE from enforcing immigration laws, effectively undermining local efforts to address criminality among undocumented individuals.

Now, under President Trump’s administration, Blakeman feels that the enforcement of existing laws is a priority, enabling Nassau County to assist in this essential work, thereby ensuring a safer community for its residents.