NEW YORK — A state judge has issued a temporary order preventing New York City Mayor Eric Adams from allowing federal immigration officials to set up operations at the Rikers Island jail complex. The directive was handed down Monday by Judge Mary Rosado, who scheduled a hearing for later this week to further assess the situation.
The lawsuit prompting Rosado’s decision was filed by the New York City Council following an April 8 executive order from Mayor Adams. The order would have permitted federal law enforcement and immigration agents to maintain an office at Rikers, primarily to combat transnational gang activities.
Judge Rosado’s temporary restraining order blocks any negotiation, signing, or implementing of agreements relating to the presence of federal law enforcement on Department of Correction properties until the hearing set for April 25 concludes.
The city council contends that Mayor Adams’ executive order was a response to a deal with the former Trump administration. They allege that the order was part of a quid pro quo arrangement aimed at advancing federal immigration policies in exchange for resolving criminal corruption charges against the mayor.
This controversial partnership has amplified discussions around the city’s immigration stance and the ongoing operations of the controversial Rikers Island facility. “Judge Rosado’s ruling is a welcome decision to halt implementation of this corrupt and lawless Executive Order,” said New York City Comptroller Brad Lander. Lander criticized the executive order not only for its principles but also because it might hinder efforts to shut down the infamous jail facility.
The backdrop to this legal and political drama involves federal charges brought against Adams in late September. He faces accusations involving accepting bribes and campaign contributions from foreign nationals and a Turkish government official.
Moreover, Mayor Adams appears to have been forging unexpected alliances, recently illustrating a seemingly close association with former President Donald Trump. His interactions with Trump, a convicted felon, and his attendance at Trump’s January 20 inauguration have sparked discussions about his political strategies.
Throughout the final months of the Biden administration, Mayor Adams also voiced significant criticism over federal immigration policies, especially as New York faced challenges handling an influx of migrants.
Looming over these unfolding events is Mayor Adams’ political future, as he announced his decision to run for re-election earlier this month.
The April 25 hearing at 9:15 a.m. EDT will provide the next significant development in this unfolding story involving law enforcement collaborations, political alliances, and immigration strategies at one of the nation’s most notorious correctional facilities.
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