Immigration raid victims settle lawsuit

New Haven, Conn. (WTNH) - Eleven men arrested in illegal immigration raids four years ago in New Haven are set to get some money from the Feds.

It's all part of a $350,000 settlement in a civil rights lawsuit.

This settlement is a victory on two fronts. One is the $350,000 the eleven men will split, but the second is that the government has agreed to end their deportation proceedings against them.

"The agreement is among largest monetary settlements every paid by the United States over ICE home raids," said Trudy Rebert from the Yale Law School.

"Nothing compensates us for all we suffered for that period in prison," said Washington Colala through a translator, "but the settlement agreement demonstrates that injustice always comes with some compensation."

It was June 2007 when ICE agents fanned out across Fair Haven and arrested 29 Latinos.

These raids came the day after the city launched it's controversial residency ID card where people could get an ID card regardless of their immigration status. Residents said it was a retaliation.
    
The local St. Rose of Lima parish helped raise funds to help the arrested make bond.

"It was a difficult experience," said Amilcar Soto-Velasquez. "I remember this today but thank God we are here now."

"Grateful to them for their bravery for their courage for their ability to stand and fight for their rights," said Rev. James Manship.

ICE says the settlement is no admission rather a way to avoid lengthy trials, but some say they hope it takes a chill of fear out those living in the shadows.

"But were are here today. To them, they that shouldn't be afraid that they should fight," Soto-Velasquez said.

The legal team hopes with this settlement the government will drop cases against four others picked up in those raids.

In a statement, Mayor John DeStefano said, "Today's settlement is bigger than a lawsuit. It is about who we are as a nation. Today's settlement is a victory of law, but the real case yet to be tried is a matter of the character and temperament of this nation as it relates to immigration, and how we as a nation, a state, and a people view our legacy as a nation of immigrants. This case will never truly be won until our nation's immigration policies live up to the values and aspirations on which our country was founded."