Monday, May 19, 2025
As someone who has dedicated his life to public service — as a New York City Police Department detective, a volunteer firefighter, and now as a county legislator — I’ve seen firsthand what it takes to keep our communities safe. I’ve walked into danger when others were running out. I’ve responded to the worst calls imaginable. And I’ve worked closely with law enforcement at every level to protect innocent lives.
That’s why Nassau County’s partnership with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement is needed. This is not about politics — it’s about public safety. It’s about giving our officers the resources they need to take violent criminals off our streets and out of our neighborhoods.
During my time with the NYPD, I supported our federal partners on high-profile investigations. I know the value of those relationships. Today our Nassau County police are doing the same, embedding 10 detectives with ICE to target gang members, sex traffickers, drug smugglers and organized theft crews. We’re also designating space in our correctional facilities so these individuals can be held securely until ICE can take custody of them. These aren’t minor offenders — we’re talking about serious criminals who pose a real threat to our residents.
Just look at what happened last month in Westbury. A dangerous MS-13 kingpin, Joel Vargas-Escobar, known as Momia, was captured thanks to the collaboration between Nassau law enforcement and ICE. He is accused of orchestrating the murders of nearly a dozen people. Without this partnership, he might still be walking our streets. That’s not acceptable — not on our watch.
And this isn’t an isolated case. Just a few months ago, six members of a South American theft ring were arrested after using high-tech radio jammers to rob a jewelry store. Because of failed bail-reform policies, they were released almost immediately. They cut off their ankle monitors and vanished.
Under this new program, that would trigger an ICE alert — and our specially trained task force would make sure they’re held accountable.
This initiative isn’t about targeting law-abiding immigrants who are contributing positively to our communities. It’s about zeroing in on people who are here illegally and committing serious crimes. When local and federal authorities work together, our streets are safer. That’s the bottom line.
But the ICE partnership is just one important tool in a much broader effort to protect Nassau families. As a county legislator,
I’ve been proud to work with County Executive Bruce Blakeman and District Attorney Anne Donnelly to support record investments in public safety — because keeping our neighborhoods safe requires action at every level of government.
We have put more police officers on the street than ever before, built a state-of-the-art Police Training Village and expanded our patrol presence by 20 percent, leading to reduced crime and quicker response times. We’ve implemented intelligence-led policing models to ensure that our resources are deployed where they’re needed most, and we’ve brought new technology directly to our officers, including in-car computers, GPS tracking and enhanced communications tools. We’ve also invested in gunshot-detection systems like ShotSpotter, license plate readers and next-generation radios to help our officers respond faster and more effectively.
We’ve strengthened the district attorney’s office to meet the challenges posed by Albany’s reckless criminal justice reforms. That includes increasing staffing, adding prosecutors and support teams, and boosting the D.A.’s budget — all without raising taxes. Donnelly is doing exceptional work under difficult circumstances, and we’re making sure she has the tools she needs to keep criminals off the streets.
And we’re supporting community-oriented policing through expanded Problem-Oriented Policing units — officers who work hand in hand with community members to solve local crime problems and improve quality of life. These units are embedded across Nassau County and making a real difference every day.
All these initiatives — local, state and federal — are working in coordination to deliver results. Nassau remains one of the safest counties in America because we never take public safety for granted.
I’ve worn the badge. I’ve run toward danger. I’ve made the tough calls. And I’ll always stand with the men and women who risk their lives to keep us safe.
Scott Strauss represents Nassau County’s 9th Legislative District.
