The Adams administration is making significant changes to how New York City collaborates with federal law enforcement agencies, particularly regarding immigration enforcement. On April 8, 2025, First Deputy Mayor Randy Mastro signed an executive order allowing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to reestablish an office at Rikers Island, a move that has reignited debates over the city’s sanctuary policies and public safety.
In a statement, Mastro emphasized that the directive aims to enhance coordination between federal agencies and local correctional investigators. "This directive is driven by one priority and one priority alone: to keep all New Yorkers safe," Mastro said, noting that the decision followed thorough consultations with various law enforcement officials, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Department of Homeland Security.
The executive order permits not only ICE but also other federal agencies such as the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service to operate from Rikers. This collaboration is intended to target violent transnational gangs like MS-13 and Tren de Aragua, which have been designated as terrorist organizations by the Trump administration. Mastro stated, "It is critical that federal law enforcement agencies are able to share intelligence with the DOC and NYPD in real-time about criminal gang activity among individuals both inside and outside of DOC custody."
Historically, ICE had offices on Rikers Island until 2014 when New York City enacted sanctuary laws that prohibited such operations, aiming to protect undocumented immigrants from deportation. The recent executive order, however, reopens that door, albeit under the guise of focusing solely on criminal investigations rather than civil immigration enforcement.
City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams expressed deep concern over this development, stating, "This executive order is deeply concerning, particularly given the attempted quid pro quo, and the series of highly troubling recent events between the Trump administration and our city’s mayor." She highlighted the potential for misuse of the arrangement, suggesting it could facilitate deportations of individuals without due process.
In her statement, she referenced the city's Local Law 58 of 2014, which explicitly prohibits the use of office space on Rikers for civil immigration enforcement. "The Council is closely reviewing the order, and is prepared to defend against violations of the law to protect the safety of all New Yorkers," she added.
The New York Civil Liberties Union (NYCLU) also condemned the executive order, with senior policy counsel Zach Ahmad stating, "By giving ICE the keys to Rikers Island, the Adams administration is once again selling out New Yorkers for Trump's dangerous deportation regime." Ahmad criticized the administration for prioritizing federal immigration objectives over the rights and safety of local residents, asserting that crime rates in New York City have decreased and that immigrants are not responsible for any surge in crime.
Critics argue that the executive order opens a pathway back to the practices that previously saw thousands of undocumented immigrants deported directly from Rikers. Before the sanctuary laws were enacted, around 3,500 individuals were caught in deportation proceedings annually. The Bronx Defenders, a public defense organization, noted, "Exactly ten years ago today, on Valentine’s Day, ICE’s trailer on Rikers Island was shut down. Yet rather than celebrate this historic milestone, the Mayor is rolling back the clock as he attempts to reopen the door to deportation in New York City jails."
The executive order was issued after Mastro conducted his own investigations, meeting with correction officials and federal law enforcement to assess the situation. He stated that the focus would be strictly on criminal investigations, not civil matters, to comply with the city's sanctuary laws. "This does not involve civil matters at all, and the executive order is carefully, narrowly tailored," Mastro reassured.
Despite these assurances, many remain skeptical about the true intentions behind the order. The timing of the executive order has raised eyebrows, particularly following Mastro’s meeting with President Trump’s border czar, Thomas Homan, earlier this year. Critics see a direct correlation between the mayor's recent legal troubles and his willingness to cooperate with federal immigration policies.
As the city grapples with this contentious issue, the debate over the balance between public safety and the rights of immigrants continues to intensify. The Adams administration insists that the collaboration with federal agencies is necessary to combat violent crime and improve safety, but opponents worry that it could lead to violations of civil rights and the erosion of the city’s sanctuary laws.
As New Yorkers await further developments, the implications of this executive order will undoubtedly shape the city’s approach to immigration and law enforcement moving forward. The city council is poised to take action, potentially challenging the legality of the order in court, while advocacy groups mobilize to protect the rights of vulnerable populations.
In summary, the Adams administration's decision to allow ICE back into Rikers Island represents a significant shift in policy, one that may have lasting repercussions for the city's immigrant communities and its commitment to sanctuary laws. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how these developments will affect public safety and the trust between the administration and the residents it serves.
