Suffolk, Nassau counties among highest in nation with detained immigrant children

Nassau and Suffolk counties rank among the highest in the nation as areas where undocumented immigrant children have been apprehended and placed with families or sponsors, according to data collected by the U.S. Office of Refugee Resettlement for the fiscal year that ended in September 2014.
 
Suffolk County ranks third in the nation with 1,600 children placed with sponsors, just behind Los Angeles County, which ranks second with 2,949, and Harris County, Texas, which ranks highest with 4,028. Nassau County ranks fifth in the nation with 1,446.
 
Our Newsday database provides an up-close look at some of the counties across the nation with populations of sponsored undocumented children. Scroll in and out to view and compare different regions of the country. You can also find a list of counties with the highest populations below the map.
 
On Dec. 15, the New York State Board of Regents approved new rules making it easier for undocumented minors to enroll in public schools, accommodating for an influx of new students seeking education. The new rules come in response to allegations against the Hempstead school district for not complying with pre-existing enrollment laws while they dealt with overcrowding issues.
 
For mobile users, click the link above to access the map.