Thousands of immigrants who were wrongfully detained on ICE warrants in New York between 1997 and 2012 now have the opportunity to receive significant financial compensation, thanks to a $92.5 million legal settlement approved by a federal court in 2025.
The class action lawsuit was filed against the New York City Department of Corrections for unlawfully detaining individuals beyond their legal release date. These detentions were based solely on ICE administrative orders, which was deemed a violation of constitutional rights by federal judges.
Who qualifies for the payment?
To be eligible, you must have been detained in a New York Department of Corrections facility between April 1, 1997 and December 21, 2012.
In addition to being held solely on an ICE detainer.
There are two groups within the agreement:
Recent group: detained between February 1, 2007 and December 21, 2012.
Previous group: Detained between April 1, 1997 and January 31, 2007.
Compensation is calculated according to the additional days of detention.
It is estimated that payments could exceed several thousand dollars per person, especially for those who were detained the longest.
How to apply for compensation
Applications can be made in three ways:
Online: on the official website of Atticus Administration.
By mail: by downloading and sending the corresponding form.
Printed form: mailed to identified claimants.
It is estimated that payments could exceed several thousand dollars per person
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It is necessary to use the Claimant ID, included in the letter sent by the settlement administration.
Those who do not have a Social Security number or ITIN may apply, but 24% of the amount will be withheld as federal tax.
Until when can it be applied?
Buzzy
The original deadline was May 15, 2025, but organizations such as NYCLU and MOIA are asking for an extension of the deadline.
This is due to the lack of information in languages such as Spanish, Chinese and Arabic.
Payments are expected to begin to be distributed 30 days after final court approval, provided there are no appeals.
Where to find free help?
The New York City Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA) has set up a toll-free, multilingual hotline with extended hours.
Informative workshops are also being held in churches, community centers and consulates.
A step towards repair
This agreement represents not only a legal advance in the defense of immigrant rights, but also a formal recognition of the harm caused.
Although the payment does not fully compensate for the traumas experienced, it does open the door to further structural reforms in the immigration system.
Organizations such as the NYCLU have warned that there are still detention centers that have been singled out for abuse, such as the Orange County Correctional Facility, and call for continued legal and social pressure to eradicate these practices.
For more information, visit QueOnnda.com.
