Introduction to the Case
A New York State Supreme Court has extended a temporary restraining order blocking Mayor Eric Adams from allowing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) from operating an office on Rikers Island. Following a brief hearing in court in Lower Manhattan Friday afternoon, Judge Mary Rosado decided to postpone any decision until after a formal hearing on the matter, for which a date has not yet been set.
Background of the Issue
At issue was an executive order signed by First Deputy Mayor Randy Mastro on April 9, allowing ICE and possibly other federal agencies to work out of an office on Rikers Island. The order was published a week after a judge formally dropped the corruption case against Adams at the behest of President Donald Trump’s Justice Department. The New York City Council promptly sued last week, arguing Adams was violating the city’s Conflict of Interest law that prohibits public officials from deriving personal benefits from their office. The Council’s attorneys argue that Adams received leniency from Trump’s Justice Department in exchange for assistance on immigration enforcement.
The City Council’s Argument
Council Speaker Adrienne Adams leads a rally outside State Supreme Court in Lower Manhattan after a judge extended a block on ICE agents operating on Rikers Island, April 25, 2025. Credit: Alex Krales/THE CITY During Friday’s hearing, attorney Daniel Kornstein, a partner at the private law firm Emery Celli who is representing the City Council, described the Rikers Executive order as a “corrupt deal” and argued at stake was the “loss of trust in the immigrant community and the community at large.” Kornstein pointed to a recent press conference where Trump’s ‘Border Czar’ Tom Homan appeared beside NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch, Mayor Adams and members of U.S. Homeland Security Investigations to announce the indictments of 27 alleged members of the Venezuelan Gang Tren del Aragua, arguing that it was proof that local and federal authorities are already capable of coordinating on criminal matters without a home base on Rikers Island.
Counterargument from the City
Lawyer Daniel Kornstein walks out of State Supreme Court after repressing the City Council in a hearing on ICE agents operating on Rikers Island, April 25, 2025. Credit: Alex Krales/THE CITY Defending City Hall’s position, James Catterson, a private attorney, argued the Council couldn’t prove “irreparable harm” given the city has yet to solidify the Rikers arrangement with any federal agency. In an unusual move, the city’s own Law Department has said it will not be representing the mayor. “This is nothing more than a political statement masquerading as a petition,” Catterson said, alluding to City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams’s mayoral campaign.
Reaction to the Ruling
Following the ruling, First Deputy Mayor Randy Mastro said they were “disappointed” in the judge’s ruling and said their efforts to work with ICE are rooted in safety. Deputy Mayor Randy Mastro speaks at City Hall about a judges ruling on ICE agents being allowed back on Rikers Island, April 25, 2025. Credit: Katie Honan/THE CITY “It is preventing us from protecting New Yorkers from violent transnational criminal gangs that have been declared terrorist organizations,” he said.
Historical Context and Implications
Before the current city sanctuary laws came into effect, between 3,000 and 4,000 noncitizens from Rikers Island were funneled into deportation proceedings each year. That could happen for immigrants with legal status for even minor convictions, while undocumented people apprehended on even minor charges could be handed off to ICE at times before they’d been convicted of any crime, advocates said. The law did allow the mayor the power to reestablish an outpost on Rikers Island with an executive order like the one signed by Mastro earlier this month, as long as federal agents there were only involved in criminal investigations and not civil immigration enforcement leading to deportations.
Conclusion
The extension of the temporary restraining order blocking ICE from operating on Rikers Island marks a significant development in the ongoing debate about immigration enforcement and sanctuary policies in New York City. As the case moves forward, it will be crucial to consider the potential implications for immigrant communities, public safety, and the balance of power between local and federal authorities.
FAQs
- Q: What is the current status of ICE’s presence on Rikers Island?
A: A temporary restraining order has been extended, blocking Mayor Eric Adams from allowing ICE to operate an office on Rikers Island until a formal hearing can be held. - Q: Why did the New York City Council sue Mayor Adams?
A: The City Council sued, arguing that Mayor Adams violated the city’s Conflict of Interest law by potentially receiving personal benefits (leniency in a corruption case) in exchange for allowing ICE to operate on Rikers Island. - Q: What was the previous policy regarding ICE on Rikers Island?
A: Before current sanctuary laws, ICE could funnel thousands of noncitizens into deportation proceedings annually. The city’s laws changed in 2014 to restrict ICE’s access, except in cases of criminal investigations. - Q: What are the potential implications of ICE operating on Rikers Island?
A: Critics argue it could lead to increased deportations, erosion of trust in the immigrant community, and undermine the city’s sanctuary policies, while proponents argue it is necessary for public safety and combating criminal gangs.
