42-Year-Old Immigrant Dies in ICE Custody at Long Island Jail

Immigrant dies in ICE custody

First death in Nassau facility

Case under investigation by authorities

According to Univisión, a 42-year-old immigrant died at the Nassau County Correctional Center in East Meadow, Long Island.

The man was under the custody of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) when he was found dead.

This is the first death of an ICE detainee at that jail since it was opened to the federal agency.

The death occurred Thursday around 6:30 a.m., according to local authorities.

First Death of Detainee in ICE Custody in Nassau, Long Island Jail

42-year-old immigrant dies in ICE custody at Long Island jail. https://t.co/TFQtAjwPj1

— Univision Nueva York (@univisionNY) September 21, 2025

Sheriff Anthony LaRocco stated that the investigation will be “thorough and transparent” to clarify the facts.

He assured that the county remains committed to treating every prisoner with dignity and humanity.

The body was transferred to the Medical Examiner’s Office for an autopsy.

New York Attorney General Letitia James confirmed that her office opened a preliminary review of the case.

Investigation Involving Multiple Agencies

ICE detainee death in Long Island – PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK

The county homicide unit is participating in the investigation along with state and federal authorities.

The goal is to determine whether the death was related to negligence, medical problems, or detention conditions.

The sheriff said internal protocols and federal standards applied at the correctional center will be reviewed.

Migrant organizations expressed concern about safety in local jails operating under ICE contracts.

ICE Detainee Death in National Context

ICE detainee death Long Island – Photo: Shutterstock

According to official data, at least 14 people have died in ICE custody so far in fiscal year 2025.

That period began in October 2024 and already surpasses the death toll of previous years.

During the same span, more than 58,000 migrants were detained in different centers nationwide.

Critics argue that these figures highlight the urgency of reviewing detention conditions across the country.

The Nassau–ICE Agreement

The agreement signed in February allocated 50 cells in Nassau for immigrants arrested by ICE.

Between February and June, more than 1,400 people passed through those facilities, with a 72-hour limit.

After that period, detainees are transferred to other centers or placed into deportation proceedings.

The county receives a federal reimbursement of $195 for each detainee per night of stay.

Concerns Over Migrants’ Rights

In July, 10 local police officers were trained to act as ICE agents in support of operations.

That measure sparked criticism from human rights advocates, who fear a harsher approach on Long Island.

The death in Nassau reinforces growing questions about the collaboration between local jails and the federal agency.

For immigrant communities, this case reflects the risks of detention and the fear of inhumane conditions.