The District of Columbia has reached an undisclosed financial settlement with Sam O’Hara, who alleged unlawful detention by police for playing Darth Vader’s theme song on his phone. O’Hara had been protesting a federal law-enforcement surge in the capital and claimed violations of his First and Fourth Amendment rights. This agreement resolves O’Hara’s claims against the district and four police officers, though his related claims against an Ohio National Guard member are still pending. The ACLU described the settlement amount as “significant” and stated O’Hara is pleased with the terms.
Read More
A federal judge has ordered Suffolk County, New York to pay over $112 million to more than 600 immigrants unlawfully detained at the request of ICE in 2017. The ruling found the county violated the constitutional rights of individuals held beyond their release dates, even after posting bail or resolving criminal cases. This judgment follows a lawsuit initiated by a Long Island resident who was detained for ICE’s convenience despite having met bail requirements. The ruling arrives amid intensified immigration arrests in Suffolk County, which have raised concerns among local advocates and business owners about aggressive enforcement tactics and community fear.
Read More
A US citizen is seeking $1 million in damages from the Department of Homeland Security after being arrested while filming an immigration raid at a Home Depot. Job Garcia, a photographer, was detained for over 24 hours after being tackled by masked immigration officials. The arrest occurred during a period of increased immigration enforcement, especially at Home Depot locations. Garcia alleges unlawful detention and physical injury, while the DHS claims he assaulted and harassed a federal agent.
Read More
Elzon Lemus, a 23-year-old U.S. citizen, was stopped by ICE agents in New York who claimed he “looked like” someone they were seeking. Despite Lemus’s insistence on his citizenship and refusal to provide identification without proper warrants, agents handcuffed him for approximately 20-25 minutes before finding his ID. Lemus’s attorney is alleging a violation of his client’s civil rights, citing racial profiling and unlawful detention. The incident has prompted calls for a Department of Justice investigation into the actions of ICE agents.
Read More
John Q. Hosedrinker
NY Immigrants Unlawfully Detained by ICE to Receive Over $100 Million in Compensation
A federal judge has ordered Suffolk County, New York to pay over $112 million to more than 600 immigrants unlawfully detained at the request of ICE in 2017. The ruling found the county violated the constitutional rights of individuals held beyond their release dates, even after posting bail or resolving criminal cases. This judgment follows a lawsuit initiated by a Long Island resident who was detained for ICE’s convenience despite having met bail requirements. The ruling arrives amid intensified immigration arrests in Suffolk County, which have raised concerns among local advocates and business owners about aggressive enforcement tactics and community fear.
Read More