Thousands of Bronx immigrants may be entitled to part of class action civil rights settlement

By Emily Swanson Posted on May 21, 2025

Thousands of New Yorkers who were jailed by federal immigration authorities between 1997 and 2012 may be eligible to receive a portion of a $92.5 million class action settlement with the city. The settlement stems from claims that individuals were unlawfully held beyond their scheduled release dates. The deadline to file a claim was recently extended from May 15 to Aug. 15.

According to Debbie Greenberger, attorney for the plaintiff class and a partner at Emery Celli Brinckerhoff Abady Ward & Maazel LLP, more than 20,000 people are eligible for compensation, including an estimated 4,000 who were living in the Bronx at the time of their detention.