$92.5 million ICE settlement for New Yorkers: Who qualifies for a check of up to $10,000 and how to get it
The City of New York has reached an agreement to pay compensation to immigrants who were illegally detained. They can claim up to $10,000.
Tens of thousands of immigrants have been arrested across the US in recent months as part of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids. But according to TRAC Reports data, nearly 50% of the more than 46,000 in detention on 9 March involved individuals with no criminal record or pending charges, raising serious concerns about unlawful detentions.
Unfortunately, irregular detentions are nothing new in the US. In December 2024, New York City reached a $92.5 million settlement to compensate immigrants who were illegally detained by the Department of Corrections. A class-action lawsuit alleged that the city violated the law by holding immigrants beyond their scheduled release date based solely on an ICE detainer request.
Although the city denied any wrongdoing, it agreed to the settlement to avoid the burden, expense, and uncertainty of ongoing litigation, according to court documents. As a result, certain immigrants from countries like Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Haiti, Jamaica, Ecuador, Cuba, Colombia, Trinidad and Tobago, Honduras, and Guyana may be eligible for payments of up to $10,000.
Who qualifies for compensation?
To be eligible for a payout, your detention must have occurred between 1 April 1997, and 21 December 2012. If you meet this criterion, you may be entitled to compensation, but you must submit your claim by 15 May 2025.
Eligible individuals include:
- Anyone who was detained by the New York City Department of Corrections beyond their scheduled release date during the specified time period.
- Those whose release was delayed solely due to an ICE detainer request, despite meeting all other conditions for release.
How to file a claim
If you believe you qualify, visit the official settlement website and follow the instructions provided. You’ll need to submit the required documentation before the 15 May deadline to secure your compensation.
This settlement marks a significant moment in the fight for immigrant rights, ensuring that those who were wrongfully detained receive some form of justice. If you or someone you know might be eligible, don’t wait—file your claim today.
Original article written by Daniela Barrera, translated with the assistance of AI and edited by Greg Heilman.
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