Suffolk County Reverses Policy, Will Hold Wanted Immigrants

A county sheriff on Long Island will no longer seek a judge's order before detaining inmates charged with crimes that are wanted by federal agents for deportation.

Newsday reports the policy reversal by Suffolk County Sheriff Vincent DeMarco distances the region from so-called "sanctuary cities.''

Local police in specially designated sanctuary cities do not investigate or report a person's immigrant status to federal authorities unless they have a convincing reason.

DeMarco says his decision is purely based on legal analysis and not politics. The sheriff stopped holding immigrants wanted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement in September 2014.

Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone called DeMarco's limited, 48-hour detainer "a step in the right direction.''

County Police Commissioner Timothy Sini said his department also would honor an administrative warrant.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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