A unique opportunity has emerged for individuals who believe they were held in New York City custody beyond their scheduled release date. This settlement, worth $92.5 million, promises one-time payments that could reach up to $48,000 per claimant.
In simple terms, the deal addresses over-detentions allegedly caused by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detainer requests. Plaintiffs state that between April 1, 1997, and Dec. 21, 2012, certain detainees were held longer than legally allowed, even though all other conditions for their release were met. The city has denied any wrongdoing but agreed to settle to avoid prolonged litigation.
Who can apply for these settlement checks and how the payout depends on detention duration
To benefit from these funds, claimants must fit into one of two groups. The Statute of Limitations Group covers those allegedly over-detained from April 1, 1997, to Jan. 31, 2007. The Recent Group covers over-detentions between Feb. 1, 2007, and Dec. 21, 2012. Both groups must meet certain requirements, such as proving they were detained solely because of an ICE detainer. Wondering if you should act now? Time is running out, so it’s wise to check your eligibility soon.
Understanding the payout categories, required forms, and important deadlines to ensure timely compensation
According to the settlement website, payouts vary by group and length of extra detention. Recent Group members may receive amounts ranging from $20,000 to $48,000, while Statute of Limitations Group members could receive between $10,000 and $24,000. Below is a quick overview:
| Group | Detention Period | Average Payout Range |
|---|---|---|
| Statute of Limitations Group | Apr 1, 1997 – Jan 31, 2007 | $10,000 – $24,000 |
| Recent Group | Feb 1, 2007 – Dec 21, 2012 | $20,000 – $48,000 |
Anyone wishing to opt out or object to the settlement must do so by May 15, 2025. The final hearing to approve the settlement will take place on Oct. 6, 2025. Once approved, eligible class members need to submit a valid claim form by May 15, 2025. Below is a brief list of the crucial steps:
- Review your dates of detention.
- Identify which group you belong to.
- Submit your claim form before the deadline.
Remember, you can also mail your form to the address provided by the settlement administrator if you prefer not to file online. This arrangement could mean a significant financial boost for people affected by over-detention—so don’t let the window close without checking if you qualify.