A court in New York has ordered municipal authorities to temporarily block a proposal that would enable federal immigration officers to work inside the Rikers Island jail complex in preparation for an upcoming scheduled hearing.
Prior to an April 25 hearing in a lawsuit contesting the plan, Judge Mary Rosado prohibited the city from “taking any steps toward negotiating, signing, or implementing any Memorandum of Understanding with the federal government” in a written order issued April 21, 2025.
- Advertisement -
The lawsuit against Mayor Eric Adams, recently filed by the New York City Council, will be the major topic of that meeting. The complaint aims to stop Adams’ recent executive order allowing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and other federal agencies to keep offices within the prison complex.
In exchange for the Justice Department dismissing criminal proceedings against him, Adams, a Democrat, allegedly struck a “corrupt quid pro quo bargain” with the Trump administration, according to the lawsuit.
Adams has denied on several occasions that he has reached a deal with the government about the criminal issue. According to him, ICE and other federal agencies will be able to help with investigations about gangs and drugs because they are housed within the jail complex, but they will not be involved in civil immigration enforcement.
A representative for Adams stated that before the hearing, the city would not sign any contracts with the Trump administration.
Adams had earlier said that to “ensure there was never even the appearance of any conflict,” he would assign Randy Mastro, his first deputy mayor, to manage all decision-making regarding the return of ICE to Rikers Island.
Mastro stated that the concept was still being discussed with the federal government.
The Rikers Island prison, located on an inaccessible island in the East River, was once home to ICE officers. However, in 2014, New York City’s sanctuary policies that restricted collaboration with immigration authorities essentially prohibited them from conducting business there.
Speaking on behalf of City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, who is a mayoral candidate, Julia Agos said,“The Council stands firm in our efforts to protect the rights and safety of all New Yorkers against attacks by the Trump administration and its agents.”
Agos further noted, “We appreciate Judge Rosado’s decision to prevent any negotiation or execution on an agreement between the administration and federal agencies until this Friday’s hearing to ensure communities are protected.”
