Judge Blocks NYC Mayor From Allowing ICE Operations at Rikers Island

Politics

Judge Blocks NYC Mayor From Allowing ICE Operations at Rikers Island

7 months ago

News sources:

NYTIMES

INDIATIMES

LATIMES

THEHILL

Judge Blocks NYC Mayor From Allowing ICE Operations at Rikers Island

Credited from: INDIATIMES

Judge Mary Rosado issued a temporary restraining order against Mayor Adams' plan to allow ICE on Rikers Island.
The City Council argues the executive order represents a "corrupt quid pro quo" with the Trump administration.
Adams claims ICE presence would help combat foreign gangs, but critics warn it undermines sanctuary city laws.

A New York judge has temporarily blocked Mayor Eric Adams from permitting Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to operate within the Rikers Island jail complex. Judge Mary Rosado ordered the city to refrain from signing or negotiating any agreements with the federal government until a hearing set for April 25, as challenges to the mayor's executive order are set to be heard. The City Council filed the lawsuit claiming the order is a "corrupt quid pro quo bargain" with the Trump administration in exchange for dropping federal charges against Adams, a toxic claim that he denies vehemently, asserting that allowing ICE to work on Rikers would enhance public safety, according to The New York Times, India Times, Los Angeles Times, and The Hill.

Los Angeles Times and The Hill.

Adams has argued that allowing ICE at Rikers would assist in battling gang-related activities, particularly concerning foreign gangs like MS-13. Despite this rationale, critics, including civil rights groups, are concerned that such actions violate the city's sanctuary principles. They argue that the presence of federal immigration officials opens paths for conflicts between local law enforcement and immigration cases, potentially leading to unjust deportations. Adams' office maintains that the executive order aligns with city laws designed to protect public safety while denying any misconduct involving the Trump administration, according to India Times and The Hill.