Death of ICE Detainee at Nassau County Jail Inspires Investigations
This week, an immigrant detainee held at Nassau County Jail was found dead, leading to investigations at both the state and local levels.
The 42-year-old detainee, whose identity has not yet been released, was discovered unresponsive in his cell early Thursday morning. Paramedics were called, but he was pronounced dead at the scene, according to officials.
This marks the first death of an immigrant detainee at Nassau County Jail since the facility began collaborating with federal immigration authorities earlier this year.
In response, the county’s murder squad and the state attorney general’s office are conducting investigations to see if proper protocols were followed in the prison. Sheriff Anthony Larocco stated, “There will be a thorough and transparent, ongoing investigation to determine the cause of the death.”
He added, “Nassau County takes its duty to treat all prisoners humanely.”
As part of a contentious partnership with federal authorities, Nassau County has made available 50 cells at East Meadow Jail for detainees awaiting decisions by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
In July, it was reported that Nassau Prison had housed over 1,400 immigrant detainees for ICE since February under this partnership. Detainees can be held for up to 72 hours before they are either deported or transferred to a long-term facility, with the federal government compensating the county $195 for each detainee.
ICE did not immediately respond to inquiries regarding the recent death of the detainee. Meanwhile, Seth Koslow, a Democratic candidate for county enforcement this November, expressed that the incident is a “tragedy demanding answers.” He indicated plans to pursue a legislative hearing aimed at ensuring transparency and accountability for all residents, including those incarcerated.
Additionally, the county has recently trained ten police officers to act as ICE agents, preparing to assist in a larger deportation effort mandated by the previous administration.
