Court ruling allows Nassau-ICE partnership to remain in place

By Liv Burns

Wednesday, February 25, 2026

On Feb. 17, a state judge ruled that the Nassau County Police Department’s agreement with ICE does not violate state law. The lawsuit was presented by the New York Civil Liberties Union to challenge the partnership between Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Nassau County Police Department, which allows NCPD officers to be trained and integrated with ICE. The State Supreme Court Judge, Danielle Peterson, made the decision that the NYCLU’s argument that the deal between NCPD and ICE violates Nassau County’s sanctuary laws was “completely unfounded.”

The NCPD-ICE program is a voluntary agreement between the local law enforcement in Nassau County and the federal government’s immigration officials. According to Rebecca C. Lewis, “Under the agreement, 10 Nassau County police detectives will effectively be deputized as Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents, allowing them to arrest people for federal immigration offenses, pursuant to a federal judge’s warrant – which local law enforcement does not otherwise have the power to do.” The NYCLU challenged this agreement, stating that it violates people’s protections from racial profiling and unlawful searches and seizures. Marc A. Soto, Executive Director of the Liga de Justicia Foundation says “As a proud Puerto Rican, father, and lifelong civil rights advocate... I live in constant fear that Nassau County police will target me, question me, or even arrest me.” The judge’s decision gives permission for Nassau County to continue this program, as arguments continue over local cooperation with ICE.  

Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, a Republican who is running for governor, has defended the agreement, saying “We will vigorously defend our right to partner with ICE”. Blakeman said that the program will stay in place and will only enhance safety in Nassau County and that these officials are targeting only people who are committing and have committed serious crimes, such as rape and burglary, stating he has removed 46 migrants with criminal records just recently. Blakeman has also recommended a guest worker program for specific undocumented immigrants who do not have a criminal record and have remained employed, showing a larger approach to his immigration policy.  

Following the ruling, the NYCLU has not made it clear whether they will make a formal appeal, but have stated they are “exploring all of their options”. County officials have shown that they plan to continue the program following the court's decision.