New York City Department of Corrections and ICE settlements totaling up to $48,000 have garnered national attention, and rightfully so.
If ICE unlawfully imprisoned you at Rikers Island or another NYC institution, you may be eligible for a sizable payout.
A $92.5 million class-action lawsuit has been settled by the city, providing compensation to thousands of affected people.
Payments of up to $48,000 are available, but claimants need to move fast.
The deadline for filing a claim is May 15, 2025, and failure to comply with it could result in a sizable payout being forfeited.
Who is eligible to receive the settlement of up to $48,000?
Illegal detentions of immigrants are the cause of the class-action lawsuit. In particular, those who are subject to an ICE detainer and are held in a New York City Department of Corrections facility after their release date may be eligible for compensation.
Among the qualified individuals are:
- Those who are detained by ICE in defiance of orders to release them.
- Detainees whose data was illegally given to the ICE.
This is a significant civil rights win, and the amount will vary according on the conditions and duration of incarceration. Individuals may receive payments of up to $48,000, depending on their unique situation.
How to submit an ICE settlement payment claim?
Making a claim is simple and cost-free. Those who think they qualify need to fill out and send in a claim form.
What you’ll need is as follows:
- Information that can be used to identify oneself.
- Evidence of incarceration (if available).
- dates and records pertaining to your release and your interaction with ICE.
There are no upfront costs or need to engage an attorney. Settlement administrators are providing free assistance to help people properly submit their claims.
What is the significance of this ICE class action lawsuit?
The issue of illegal imprisonment and the revealing of private information without legal authority is far more widespread than this.
Lawful residents, asylum applicants, or immigrants who were not deportable but were nonetheless detained without cause made up the majority of those affected.
Giving victims compensation confirms the harm done as well as the need for systemic change.
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FAQs for the $48,000 payment settlement
How can I find out whether I qualify?
You may be eligible if you were detained in New York City jails after being released from April 1, 1997, through December 21, 2012, as a result of an ICE detainer (Ojeda, 2025).
What steps are involved in the process once I submit my claim?
After applications are examined, qualified candidates will be contacted and given compensation advice. Pay will differ.
What happens if I no longer reside in New York?
You can get paid even if you don’t reside in New York. Your entitlement is determined by your eligibility and previous detention.
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Can family make a claim on a person’s behalf?
Indeed. With the necessary paperwork, family members or representatives may file a claim on behalf of claimants who have passed away or become disabled.
Don’t wait if you think you should receive this reward. For individuals impacted, this payment presents a significant chance for compensation and justice.
Examine the settlement’s terms carefully, and if you qualify, file your claim. This kind of restitution is uncommon, and everyone who qualifies ought to be able to use it.
Keep yourself informed by staying current and making sure you don’t lose out on any potential rights.
Simply because they were unaware of their rights at the time, no one should be left behind. This is your opportunity to be heard and seen, even though it may seem like it was decades ago.
You may learn more about this settlement and how to submit a claim by going to Top Class Actions.
