The Lie:
County Executive Bruce Blakeman lied when he said that the partnership between the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Nassau Police Department (NCPD) will only pursue migrants charged with non-immigration crimes.
Why You May Believe the Lie:
Blakeman said “We’re not going after people who are law abiding” and “police will only pursue migrants who commit crimes.”
The Truth:
Contrary to Blakeman’s statement, the agreement between the ICE and NCPD empowers Police Officers to arrest for immigration violations and requires Nassau County to spend taxpayer dollars to train the Officers.
Local police are authorized to initiate traffic stops, detain pedestrians and make arrests if an officer believes a person may be undocumented, elevating the risk of racial profiling. Nassau residents, even green card holders and those granted asylum, now are living in fear.
Action You Can Take:
- Share this post on your social media and email and discuss it with your friends.
- Contact Blakeman and demand that he stop terrorizing our neighbors at nassaucountyny.gov/481/County-Executive or call Blakeman at 516-571-6000 or 516-571-3131 – prompt 5, then “other”.
Source & Additional Media:
- Newsday: Jones, B. (2025/02/14), “Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman says police will only pursue migrants who commit crimes”
- Newsday: Case, A. (2025/04/16), “Nassau’s agreement with ICE to help detain immigrants is dangerous”
