NYC Mayor Grants ICE Access to Rikers Island Amid Immigration Enforcement Push
New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced plans to work with federal authorities to deport violent criminals currently residing unlawfully in the United States.
On Thursday, Mayor Eric Adams stated his intent to allow federal immigration officials to operate at Rikers Island jail and take further actions to support the Trump administration in apprehending and deporting violent offenders illegally present in the country.
This declaration followed a private meeting that day with Tom Homan, Donald Trump’s border czar, who is tasked with spearheading Trump’s extensive deportation initiative. The meeting, held in a federal office building in Manhattan, took place amidst the Trump administration’s push for increased collaboration in detaining and deporting illegal immigrants charged with serious crimes, a strategy Homan refers to as “worst first.”
Adams issued a statement after the meeting, announcing he would sign an executive order reinstating the operational capacity of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents at Rikers Island, a maximum-security facility. These agents will collaborate with the correctional intelligence bureau, concentrating on criminal investigations related to violent offenders and gangs.
In addition, Adams and Homan explored ways to integrate more New York Police Department detectives into federal task forces aimed at combating violent gang activity.
“Keeping the 8.3 million New Yorkers who call our city home safe is—and will always remain—our administration’s guiding principle,” Adams expressed. He reiterated a readiness to work cooperatively with the Trump administration—”not at odds with them”—to tackle issues like illegal immigration, aimed at enhancing the lives of New Yorkers.
Previously, Adams has taken steps to align with the Trump administration’s immigration policies, including guiding city officials to cooperate lawfully where possible. He has also indicated support for revising certain longstanding sanctuary policies in the city, which have originated from a mix of state and city laws as well as executive orders.
Historically, ICE has met resistance in New York, where local legislation restricts cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration officers. Current policies prevent city jails from holding individuals wanted for civil immigration violations beyond their scheduled release times. Additionally, New York City has enacted measures that limit ICE’s access to public schools and other city properties.
While acknowledging the significant contributions of immigrants to New York City’s economy, Adams called for reform of the “long-broken immigration system.” He pointed out that the influx of illegal immigrants under the Biden administration has imposed an overwhelming burden on the city.
“Since the spring of 2022, New York City has borne the weight of a national humanitarian crisis, with over 230,000 migrants arriving in our city seeking assistance, costing approximately $7 billion, with minimal support from the previous administration,” Adams stated.
Earlier this week, the Justice Department directed federal prosecutors in Manhattan to drop corruption charges against Adams, citing prosecutorial errors and concerns regarding the impact of the case on Adams’ capability to aid in federal immigration enforcement initiatives.
In October 2024, prosecutors charged Adams with accepting over $100,000 in campaign contributions and luxury gifts from foreign nationals in exchange for political favors.
The allegations involve bribery, wire fraud, conspiracy, and falsifying financial records, with possible consequences including fines, imprisonment, and disqualification from holding public office.
However, as of Thursday, the charges against Adams are still active after the interim U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York, who was overseeing the case, refused to dismiss them and subsequently resigned.
Adams has maintained his innocence regarding any wrongdoing.
