New York City lawmakers have taken legal action against Mayor Eric Adams concerning the establishment of a federal immigration office at the city’s main jail facility. The lawsuit, filed in Manhattan state Supreme Court, alleges that City Hall’s approval of a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement outpost on Rikers Island did not follow proper procedures. Moreover, it claims that this decision stems from a supposed agreement between Mayor Adams and former President Donald Trump, who supported the mayor during his federal corruption case.
Controversy Surrounding the ICE Facility
City and federal officials argue that the new ICE office is essential for criminal immigration enforcement purposes. However, Mayor Adams has asserted that he will not cooperate with any civil actions targeting undocumented migrants residing in the city.
Council Speaker Adrienne Adams criticized the mayor’s actions, stating, “This is a blatant attempt by Eric Adams to fulfill his end of the deal for special treatment he received from the Trump administration. New York cannot tolerate its mayor colluding with the Trump administration to break the law, and this lawsuit seeks the court’s intervention to uphold democratic principles, even if our mayor won’t.”
The lawsuit comes amid Adrienne Adams’ campaign to prevent Mayor Adams from securing a second term by participating in this year’s competitive Democratic primary, where opposing Trump’s policies holds significant importance.
City Hall has refuted the accusations, with mayoral spokesperson Kayla Mamelak Altus calling the lawsuit baseless and contrary to public interest in safeguarding New Yorkers from violent criminals. The administration remains committed to its efforts to reduce crime and ensure the safety of city residents.
Legal Battle and Allegations
In the 29-page legal complaint, the Council details the events leading to a federal judge dismissing the mayor’s bribery case on April 3. It highlights Mayor Adams’ efforts to curry favor with Trump and how the dismissal of charges would enable him to establish an ICE office on Rikers Island.
Former acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District in New York Danielle Sassoon raised concerns about the dismissal, alleging a quid pro quo arrangement, which Mayor Adams has denied. She resigned in protest, questioning the government’s motives, which led the federal judge overseeing the case to criticize the deal as suspicious.
The Council’s lawsuit contends that by appeasing Trump, the mayor violated his oath of office. They argue that the attempt to distance himself from the decision by having First Deputy Mayor Randy Mastro sign the executive order allowing ICE onto Rikers supports their claim of impropriety.
City Hall maintains that the law permits a mayoral executive order to establish an ICE facility on Rikers and defends Mastro’s authorization as legitimate.
“The City Council seems to be spreading misinformation. Let’s clarify: Mayor Adams delegated all powers related to authorizing federal officials to investigate crimes at Rikers Island to [Mastro] to maintain public trust and avoid any appearance of conflict,” stated Mamelak Altus.
