A long-running class action lawsuit against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has finally come to an end with a huge $92.5 million settlement. If you or someone you know was detained in New York City for longer than they should have been due to ICE’s involvement, you might be entitled to a significant payout. Let’s break down who qualifies, how much is being paid, and how to claim your share.
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The Backstory
For years, ICE agents would wait at jails, prisons, and rehab centers, requesting that local facilities hold certain individuals an extra 48 hours so they could be picked up for deportation. Sounds straightforward, right? The problem was that some people weren’t picked up in time and ended up sitting in jail far beyond their scheduled release date.
Over 20,000 people were affected by these extended detentions, leading a group of them to file a lawsuit. After years of legal battles, justice was finally served in December 2024.
Who Can File a Claim?
You may be eligible for compensation if all of the following apply:
- You were detained by the New York City Department of Correction.
- Your detention occurred between April 1, 1997, and December 21, 2012.
- You were held beyond your official release date.
- The extended detention was due to an ICE hold request.
The best part? You don’t need to submit extra paperwork to prove your claim. If you qualify, you should have already received a notice in the mail with a personal ID number. Just visit the settlement website, enter your ID, and complete the claim form online. But don’t wait too long-the deadline is May 15, 2025.
How Much Money Can You Get?
The payout amount depends on when you were detained. There are two groups:
| Group Name | Detention Dates | Payout Range |
|---|---|---|
| Prescription Group | April 1, 1997 – January 31, 2007 | $10,000 – $24,000 |
| Recent Group | February 1, 2007 – December 21, 2012 | $20,000 – $48,000 |
The difference in payments is due to record-keeping and the impact on individuals. More recent cases have better documentation and may have caused more harm, leading to higher payouts.
Important Dates
The key date to remember after the claim deadline is October 6, 2025-the scheduled approval hearing. If everything moves forward as expected, payments will start being mailed out soon after that.
Take Action Now
If you’re eligible and haven’t filed your claim yet, don’t delay. Missing the May 15, 2025 deadline means missing out on potentially tens of thousands of dollars.
This settlement isn’t just about financial compensation. It serves as a reminder of the consequences when a system fails and how the courts can step in to correct injustices. If you or a loved one was affected, now is the time to claim what’s rightfully yours.
FAQs
Who qualifies for the ICE settlement?
Anyone detained in NYC from 1997 to 2012 and held past release due to an ICE request.
How much money can I receive?
Payouts range from $10,000 to $48,000 depending on when you were detained.
Do I need proof to file a claim?
No extra proof is required. Just use the ID from the mailed notice.
What’s the deadline to submit a claim?
The last day to submit your claim is May 15, 2025.
When will payments be sent?
After the October 6, 2025 approval hearing, payments will be processed and mailed out.
If you believe you’re eligible, take action now-justice (and compensation) is finally here.
