In a major legal win for civil rights, thousands of people unlawfully detained by the New York City Department of Correction (DOC) due to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) requests will finally receive compensation.
After years of legal battles, a $92.5 million class action lawsuit settlement has been approved—and if you or someone you know was held past their release date in New York between 1997 and 2012, you may be eligible for a payout.
Let’s break down who qualifies, what this lawsuit was about, and how much claimants could receive.
Background
For years, ICE issued what were essentially illegal detention requests—asking jails and prisons in New York to hold people up to 48 hours past their scheduled release dates, solely to begin deportation proceedings. This practice affected individuals held in jails, federal prisons, and rehab centers, many of whom were never charged with immigration violations.
The lawsuit claimed that these detentions violated constitutional rights, and the courts agreed. The settlement reached in December 2024 will now compensate those wrongfully detained across a 15-year span.
Eligibility
To qualify for a payout, you must have been:
- Detained in a NYC DOC facility after your scheduled release date
- Held between April 1, 1997, and December 21, 2012
- Detained due to a direct request from ICE
You don’t need to prove anything yourself—if you’re eligible, your name should already be in the system. Notifications were sent via mail, along with a unique applicant ID number to be used on the settlement website.
Deadline to submit a claim: May 15, 2025
Groups
The settlement splits claimants into two distinct groups based on when the detention occurred. Each group will receive a different range of compensation.
| Group Name | Detention Dates | Compensation Range |
|---|---|---|
| Prescription | April 1, 1997 – January 31, 2007 | $10,000 – $24,000 |
| Recent | February 1, 2007 – December 21, 2012 | $20,000 – $48,000 |
The ‘Prescription Group’ refers to older cases where the data and documentation may be harder to verify in full, while the ‘Recent Group’ includes more recent detentions, and thus, claimants will generally receive higher compensation.
Application
If you received a letter, you’re likely eligible. To complete your claim:
- Go to the official settlement website
- Enter your applicant ID number
- Fill out and submit the online claim form by May 15, 2025
If you’ve moved or never received a notification but believe you qualify, you can still contact the settlement administrator for assistance in verifying your eligibility.
Payment
Exact payment amounts will vary depending on the number of claims filed and the group you’re in. While the estimates range from $10,000 to $48,000, final amounts will be calculated after all valid claims are processed.
This settlement not only provides financial relief but also serves as a reminder that no agency, including ICE, is above the law. If you or someone you know was wrongfully detained under ICE orders in NYC, make sure to file your claim and get the compensation you deserve.
FAQs
Who qualifies for this payout?
Anyone held past their release date in NYC DOC due to ICE requests.
What’s the deadline to file a claim?
May 15, 2025 is the final day to submit a claim.
How much can I receive?
Between $10,000 and $48,000 depending on your group.
Do I need to provide proof?
No, if eligible, your name is already in the system.
How do I file my claim?
Use your applicant ID on the settlement site to submit online.
