Nassau County Narcotics and Vice Squad detectives today reported the arrest of a Manhattan woman on prostitution charges following an undercover investigation conducted on Friday, December 19, 2025, at approximately 3:15 p.m., in Freeport.
According to detectives, investigators conducted an undercover operation targeting online sexually explicit advertisements. As a result of that investigation, Ka Yee Li, 47, of West 42nd Street, Manhattan, was arrested without incident.
Li was charged with Prostitution and initially released on an appearance ticket.
Further investigation determined that the defendant is illegally present in the United States and is subject to removal proceedings. Following her arrest, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents took custody of the defendant. She now faces federal immigration enforcement and potential deportation.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Key Facts and Details
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Defendant | Ka Yee Li |
| Age | 47 |
| Residence | Manhattan, New York |
| Incident Date | December 19, 2025 |
| Incident Time | Approximately 3:15 p.m. |
| Location | Freeport, Nassau County, NY |
| Investigating Unit | Nassau County Police Department – Narcotics/Vice Squad |
| Investigation Type | Undercover operation involving online sexually explicit advertisements |
| Arrest Status | Arrested without incident |
| Charge | Prostitution |
| Initial Disposition | Released on an appearance ticket |
| Immigration Status | Determined to be unlawfully present in the United States |
| Federal Action | Taken into custody by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement |
| Removal Proceedings | Subject to immigration enforcement and potential deportation |
| Case Status | Pending court appearance and federal immigration proceedings |
How ICE Detainers Work After a Local Arrest
When someone is arrested by local or county law enforcement, their immigration status may be reviewed as part of routine booking and background checks. If authorities determine that the individual is unlawfully present in the United States, federal immigration enforcement may become involved.
What Is an ICE Detainer?
An ICE detainer is a formal request issued by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement asking a local jail or law enforcement agency to notify ICE before a person is released from custody. In some cases, the detainer also requests that the individual be held for a short period so ICE can assume custody.
Detainers are typically issued when ICE believes the individual:
- Is unlawfully present in the U.S.
- Has prior deportations or immigration violations
- Has been arrested for a criminal offense
What Happens After a Detainer Is Issued?
If a detainer is honored:
- The individual may still face local criminal charges or court proceedings.
- Once released by the local court or on an appearance ticket, ICE may take custody.
- The individual is transferred to federal immigration detention.
- ICE initiates or resumes removal (deportation) proceedings in immigration court.
Local criminal cases and federal immigration proceedings are separate legal processes.
Does a Detainer Mean Automatic Deportation?
No. A detainer does not automatically result in deportation. Individuals taken into ICE custody are entitled to:
- Immigration court hearings
- Legal representation (at their own expense)
- The opportunity to seek relief from removal, if eligible
However, individuals with prior deportations, outstanding removal orders, or limited legal relief options may face expedited removal.
Why Are Some Defendants Taken Into ICE Custody Immediately?
In certain cases, ICE agents may be present or quickly notified after an arrest. This can happen when:
- The individual has a prior deportation history
- Immigration databases flag the person during booking
- ICE determines the individual poses a flight risk
In those situations, ICE may assume custody immediately after local processing.
Key Takeaway for the Public
Local arrests are handled by state or county courts, while immigration enforcement is handled by the federal government. An ICE detainer connects these systems, allowing immigration authorities to take custody once local legal obligations are addressed.
Residents should understand that:
- Local police do not decide deportation
- ICE detainers are civil immigration actions
- Deportation decisions are made in federal immigration court
