A New York judge has ordered city officials to pause their plan to allow federal immigration agents to operate within the Rikers Island jail complex ahead of a hearing scheduled later this week.
In a written order issued on Monday, Judge Mary Rosado prohibited the city from “taking any steps toward negotiating, signing, or implementing any Memorandum of Understanding with the federal government” before the hearing on April 25. This hearing will address a lawsuit filed by the New York City Council, aiming to block Mayor Eric Adams’ recent executive order, which permits U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and other federal agencies to set up office space at the jail complex.
The lawsuit claims that Adams, a Democrat, made a “corrupt quid pro quo bargain” with the Trump administration, in exchange for the Justice Department dropping criminal charges against him. Adams has repeatedly denied any such deal, asserting that the presence of ICE and other federal agencies within the jail complex would only support gang and drug-related investigations and would not involve civil immigration enforcement.
A spokesperson for Adams confirmed that the city would not move forward with any agreement with the federal government before the hearing. Adams previously appointed his first deputy mayor, Randy Mastro, to handle all decisions regarding the return of ICE to Rikers Island, ensuring no appearance of conflict. Mastro stated that discussions with the federal government over the plan were still ongoing.
ICE agents had a presence at Rikers Island until 2014, when New York City’s sanctuary laws restricted cooperation with immigration enforcement, effectively barring ICE agents from operating there.
Julia Agos, a spokesperson for City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, emphasized that the council is committed to protecting the rights and safety of all New Yorkers against the Trump administration and its agents. She also expressed gratitude for Judge Rosado’s decision to halt any negotiations or agreements before Friday’s hearing to ensure the protection of communities.