On March 15, 2025, Telemundo National aired an exclusive story on ECBAWM’s $92.5 million NYC ICE class action settlement against the City of New York, whereby over 20,000 people may be eligible for $10,000 or more for being unlawfully detained in NYC jails between 1997 and 2012 beyond their scheduled release dates on the basis of ICE detainers. In the exclusive story, ECBAWM Paralegal Carlos Martinez-Montes and Che, one of the more than 20,000 class members eligible for compensation, spoke about the settlement and its significance.

Like other class members, Che was a beloved member of his community. But in 2012, NYPD detectives arrested Che and charged him with unlawful surveillance for photographing the downtown city buildings and the Hudson River sunset for his film and photography business he was starting. Upon arrest, Che was sent to Rikers where he was subjected to an ICE detainer for being a Mexican national. As a result, he remained in custody for several days– days that he described to Telemundo as a nightmare.

Between 1997 and 2012, the City of New York honored ICE detainers issued by ICE. ICE detainers are requests issued to state and local law enforcement agencies to hold individuals for up to 48 business hours beyond their scheduled release so ICE can take custody of them. New York courts have also made clear that the City could not lawfully hold people based on ICE detainers because ICE detainers do not establish probable cause that a crime was committed.

As a result, Che, along with 20,000 other class members, are now eligible for significant compensation. To receive a settlement payment, class members must file a claim online at www.NYCICESettlement.com or via mail before May 15, 2025.

If someone you know was detained in a New York City jail between 1997 and 2012 on the basis of an ICE detainer, please visit www.NYCICESettlement.com or call 1-800-479-0810.