A staggering $112 million federal jury verdict could create serious ripples through Suffolk’s finances, with county officials staying silent as an appeal moves forward.
The nine-person jury, hearing a case that began in 2017, found the county liable for its use of ICE detainers between 2016 and 2018, awarding $75 million for unlawful detention and another $37 million for due-process violations.
The amount represents roughly 2.6% of the county’s $4.3 billion budget. Spread evenly among Suffolk’s approximately 1.5 million residents, it would amount to about $75 per person, or roughly $300 for a four-member household.
Mum’s the word at the county, with officials contacted by The South Shore Press declining to comment pending appeals. In a brief statement, county spokesman Mike Martino said, “We disagree with the decision, and the county will appeal the ruling.”
The case, heard in the Eastern District of New York before Judge William F. Kuntz II, stems from policies under former Sheriff Vincent DeMarco. Plaintiffs alleged hundreds of immigrants were held on Immigration and Customs Enforcement detainers—some after bail was posted—without notice or a hearing.
The lawsuit was filed on behalf of Joaquin Orellana Castaneda, a Guatemalan immigrant who was stopped by Suffolk police for a traffic violation and arrested on a DWI-related charge.
The verdict comes as the county remains on the hook for other legacy liabilities left over from the Steve Bellone administration. Among them is the $9 million settlement in the death of 8-year-old Thomas Valva and large pending claims tied to past misuse of sewer-fund monies.
With multiple pending lawsuits and settlement interest accumulating, the county faces a potential budget squeeze. The appeal process may delay payment, but the financial exposure remains: if all liabilities were realized, the fiscal pressure on taxpayers and county services would be enormous.