Judge Temporarily Blocks NYC Plan Involving Federal Immigration Agents

A judge in New York has issued a temporary injunction against a city initiative that would have allowed federal immigration agents to operate within the Rikers Island jail complex. This decision comes just days before a scheduled court hearing.

Details of the Court Order

Judge Mary Rosado issued a written directive on Monday, prohibiting New York City officials from “taking any steps toward negotiating, signing, or implementing any Memorandum of Understanding with the federal government” until a hearing on April 25. This hearing will address a lawsuit filed by the New York City Council against Mayor Eric Adams, aiming to halt his recent executive order that would permit U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and other federal agencies to maintain office space at the jail.

Allegations Against Mayor Adams

The lawsuit accuses Mayor Adams, a Democrat, of engaging in a “corrupt quid pro quo bargain” with the Trump administration, allegedly to have the Justice Department withdraw criminal charges against him. Mayor Adams has consistently denied these allegations, asserting that the presence of ICE and other federal agencies at Rikers Island would solely aid in gang and drug-related investigations, without involving civil immigration enforcement.

In response to the controversy, Mayor Adams has delegated all decision-making regarding the return of ICE to Rikers Island to his first deputy mayor, Randy Mastro, to “ensure there was never even the appearance of any conflict.” Mastro confirmed that discussions with the federal government were still ongoing.

Historical Context and Opposition

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ICE agents had previously operated at Rikers Island, located on a remote island in the East River, until they were effectively banned in 2014 under New York City’s sanctuary laws, which limit cooperation with immigration enforcement. The City Council, led by Speaker Adrienne Adams who is also a mayoral candidate, has expressed strong opposition to the plan.

Julia Agos, a spokesperson for the City Council Speaker, emphasized the Council’s commitment to “protect the rights and safety of all New Yorkers against attacks by the Trump administration and its agents.” She welcomed Judge Rosado’s decision as a protective measure for the community until the upcoming hearing.