A decades-old class action lawsuit against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) just wrapped up with a massive $92.5 million settlement. If you or someone you know was detained by New York City authorities longer than they should have been—thanks to ICE—you might be in line for a big payout. Let’s break down who qualifies, how much is being paid, and what steps you need to take.
Table of Contents
Background
This all started because ICE used to hang around jails, prisons, and rehab centers, waiting for people to detain and deport. They’d ask local facilities to hold individuals for an extra 48 hours so agents could come and take them. That sounds simple, right? But here’s the problem—some people weren’t picked up in time, and they ended up sitting in jail way past their scheduled release date.
More than 20,000 people were affected by these extended holds. So a group of them banded together, filed a lawsuit, and after years of legal wrangling, they got justice in December 2024.
Eligibility
Wondering if you’re eligible? Here’s what needs to be true:
- You were detained by the New York City Department of Correction.
- Your detention happened between April 1, 1997, and December 21, 2012.
- You were held after your official release date.
- The reason? ICE requested that extra hold.
Here’s the cool part: no extra paperwork is required to prove your case. If you’re eligible, you’ve likely already received a notice in the mail with your personal ID number. Just head to the settlement website, plug in that number, and fill out the claim form online. Deadline? May 15, 2025.
Payouts
Okay, let’s talk numbers—because that’s what everyone wants to know.
There are two groups here: the Prescription Group and the Recent Group. Here’s what each gets:
| Group Name | Detention Dates | Payout Range |
|---|---|---|
| Prescription Group | April 1, 1997 – January 31, 2007 | $10,000 – $24,000 |
| Recent Group | February 1, 2007 – December 21, 2012 | $20,000 – $48,000 |
Why the difference in payments? It mostly has to do with how recent the wrongful detentions were and how records were managed. The more recent the detention, the more complete the data—and possibly the greater the impact on the individuals involved.
Timeline
The next big date to watch is October 6, 2025. That’s when the approval hearing is scheduled. If all goes as planned, payments will be processed and mailed out shortly after that.
So don’t delay—if you think you’re eligible and haven’t filed your claim yet, jump on it. That deadline is May 15, 2025, and missing it means missing out on possibly tens of thousands of dollars.
This settlement isn’t just about money. It’s also a powerful reminder of what can happen when a system fails—and how the courts can step in to make things right. If you’re among those affected, now’s your moment to claim what’s yours.
FAQs
Who qualifies for the ICE settlement?
Anyone detained past release in NYC from 1997 to 2012 by ICE request.
How much money can I get?
Between $10,000 and $48,000 depending on your group.
Do I need proof to file a claim?
No proof is needed. Just use your ID from the mailed notice.
What’s the deadline to submit a claim?
May 15, 2025 is the last day to submit your claim form.
When will payments be made?
After the approval hearing on October 6, 2025.
