NEW YORK (PIX11) – The Nassau County Police Department will be directly participating in ICE enforcement to detain undocumented immigrants accused of crimes, County Executive Bruce Blakeman announced Tuesday.
Nassau County announced that 10 detectives will work with ICE. Detainees will also be held in Nassau County jails as ICE works to deport them or find a permanent detainment facility, according to Blakeman.
It’s a move even Democratic U.S. Rep. Laura Gillen of Long Island approves of. However, immigration activists believe it could create separate issues among immigrants who have not committed crimes.
Blakeman said the purpose of the program is to remove criminals illegally living in Nassau County.
“Not people on the street, not people in schools, not people in churches. These aren’t going to be raids. These are going to be targeted enforcement of known criminals who are here illegally,” Blakeman said. “It’s not sweeping up people who are otherwise law-abiding but may not have the proper immigration status.”
Undocumented people in Nassau County can also feel safe to report crimes to the police without fear of deportation, according to Blakeman.
“We want to encourage them to report crimes. If they call 911 or they stop a police officer, we will not ask them their immigration status. If they are victims of a crime, we will not ask them their immigration status. If they are witnesses to a crime, we will not ask them their immigration status,” Blakeman said.
Watch the video player for the full interview.