NYC Judge Blocks ICE Return to Rikers Island

A Manhattan judge has temporarily blocked Mayor Eric Adams' plan to reopen an ICE office on Rikers Island. This decision follows a lawsuit filed by the City Council, which argued the plan was unlawful and could lead to mass deportations.

The Controversy

Mayor Adams' plan aimed to allow federal agents back onto Rikers Island to conduct criminal investigations, reversing a policy implemented under former Mayor Bill de Blasio. This move sparked outrage from the City Council and advocates who fear it will undermine New York City's sanctuary city status.

<img src="https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/04/mayor-eric-adams-press-availability-102887902.jpg?w=1024" alt="Mayor Eric Adams at a press availability and bill signing at City Hall">

The temporary restraining order prevents city officials from negotiating or implementing any agreement with the federal government regarding federal law enforcement presence on Rikers Island until at least Friday. The judge's order explicitly prohibits discussions, signing, or implementation of any memorandum of understanding with the feds.

<img src="https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/04/rikers-island-jail-complex-stands-102188583_30d0d9.jpg?w=1024" alt="Rikers Island jail complex in New York with the Manhattan skyline in the background">

Arguments Against the Plan

The City Council's lawsuit claims the executive order, signed by First Deputy Mayor Randy Mastro (after Adams recused himself), is invalid. The lawsuit also alleges a “corrupt bargain” between Adams and the Trump administration.

<img src="https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/04/2025-new-york-city-ice-102291556.jpg?w=1024" alt="A protest against ICE outside City Hall on April 10, 2025.">

The city's defense maintains that the federal agents would only focus on criminal investigations, not civil immigration enforcement, however, they’ve refused to address the possible consequences if an agent were to detain an inmate on a civil detainer.

<img src="https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/04/2025-new-york-city-ice-102291552_ea8133.jpg?w=1024" alt="">

Next Steps

A hearing is scheduled for Friday, where the judge may extend, modify, or vacate the temporary restraining order. The City Council will continue to argue against the plan, emphasizing its illegality and potential negative impact on public safety.