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A mere drive east leads to Suffolk County, where the situation becomes more complex. The local police do indeed notify federal authorities when an immigrant faces charges, but they do not inquire about an individual's immigration status during an arrest. This more ambiguous policy creates a gray area wherein the undocumented status of the accused might not be fully documented.
The author notes that Suffolk County has a larger population of migrants compared to Nassau, likely due to economical factors such as cheaper housing and an abundance of service jobs, particularly on the East End. This demographic reality introduces a different dynamic — resistance to strict immigration enforcement may stem from a desire to protect local communities that are economically dependent on immigrant labor.