NEW YORK — In a recent development, a judicial order has temporarily restrained New York City officials from proceeding with a plan that would enable federal immigration authorities to have a presence within the Rikers Island jail complex. This pause will last until a forthcoming hearing later in the week.
The directive was issued Monday by Judge Mary Rosado, who specifically prohibited the city from moving forward with any discussions, agreements, or actions involving a Memorandum of Understanding with federal authorities before the hearing scheduled for April 25.
This judicial intervention arises from a lawsuit filed by the New York City Council against Mayor Eric Adams, aiming to annul his executive order that would permit U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and other federal agencies to operate within the jail confines.
The lawsuit accuses the mayor of participating in a “corrupt quid pro quo bargain” with the previous administration led by Trump, purportedly in return for the Justice Department dropping criminal charges against him. Mayor Adams, however, firmly denies these allegations, stating that there was no clandestine agreement with the Trump administration regarding the criminal case.
Mayor Adams has emphasized that the integration of ICE and other federal bodies in the jail area is intended to bolster gang and drug-related probes, while underscoring that these organizations would not engage in civil immigration enforcement activities.
A representative for Adams assured that no agreement would be finalized with the Trump administration before the set hearing date. To manage the reintegration of ICE into Rikers Island, Adams has designated his first deputy mayor, Randy Mastro, entrusting him with the decision-making process to maintain transparency and avoid any perceived conflicts.
Randy Mastro mentioned last week that talks with federal entities concerning the plan were ongoing. Federal immigration agents had been stationed at the Rikers Island facility, which is geographically secluded on an East River island, but were effectively prohibited from operating there in 2014 following the city’s sanctuary laws restricting collaboration with immigration authorities.
City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, represented by spokesperson Julia Agos, reiterated the Council’s commitment to safeguarding the rights and security of all New Yorkers against federal overreach. Agos expressed gratitude for Judge Rosado’s ruling to delay any negotiations or agreements between the city administration and federal bodies until the scheduled hearing.
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