Mayor Eric Adams Reinstates ICE Operations at Rikers Island

In a significant policy shift, New York City Mayor Eric Adams has ended a decade-long sanctuary policy, authorizing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to resume operations at Rikers Island. This move is aimed at bolstering efforts against criminal gangs and drug trafficking.

Background on ICE’s Presence at Rikers

ICE had previously operated alongside other federal law enforcement agencies at Rikers Island, where they played a crucial role in transferring illegal immigrants involved in criminal activities to federal custody for deportation. However, in 2014, a sanctuary city law was enacted that expelled ICE from the facility, prohibiting any cooperation with federal authorities in the deportation of criminal aliens.

Details of the New Executive Order

The new executive order, issued by Deputy Mayor Randy Mastro, reestablishes ICE’s Homeland Security Investigations division at Rikers. This division will focus on targeting violent criminals and drug trafficking networks. The order highlights the importance of real-time intelligence sharing between federal law enforcement, the Department of Correction, and the NYPD to effectively combat gang activity and other crimes within and outside the correctional facility.

“We cannot collaborate with ICE on civil enforcement, but we can for criminal enforcement. That is what we are doing,” Mayor Adams stated in a radio interview, clarifying that the new policy aligns strictly with legal standards.

Implications of the Policy Change

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This policy reversal marks a pivotal change in the relationship between one of America’s largest sanctuary cities and federal immigration enforcement. Although Rikers will continue to be restricted from cooperating with ICE on civil enforcement matters, the focus will now be on serious crimes such as gang violence and narcotics trafficking.

The Rikers Island jail complex, notorious for its conditions of disorder and neglect, faces ongoing challenges, including a potential federal takeover. The reintroduction of ICE is seen as a step towards restoring order and enhancing public safety.

Public Safety and Strategic Enforcement

First Deputy Mayor Randy Mastro, who played a key role in issuing the order, reiterated that the move is primarily about enhancing public safety and protecting the residents of New York City. He emphasized that this renewed cooperation with ICE mirrors the collaborative efforts that existed before 2014.

Addressing concerns about the timing of this decision following the dismissal of corruption charges against him, Mayor Adams firmly denied any correlation, asserting his commitment to public safety during a WINS radio interview: “There is no beholdening,” he declared.

With this strategic shift, the Adams administration aims to tackle significant security issues at Rikers Island, demonstrating a robust stance on crime and reinforcing the city’s commitment to law and order.