Adams vows to let ICE agents work at Rikers Island after meeting with border czar
New York City Mayor Eric Adams has announced plans to allow federal immigration authorities to operate on Rikers Island, a move that marks a significant departure from the city’s sanctuary policies. Following a meeting with border czar Tom Homan, Adams revealed that an executive order is in the works to reinstate the presence of ICE agents on the island, with a specific focus on supporting the correctional intelligence bureau in criminal investigations related to violent criminals and gangs.
During the closed-door meeting with Homan, Adams discussed strategies to combat violent migrant gangs and the possibility of embedding more New York Police Department officers into federal task forces. Unlike many other mayors of blue cities, Adams has expressed a willingness to collaborate with the federal government, particularly in addressing illegal immigration to tackle crime effectively.
Adams highlighted the burden that New York City has shouldered in accommodating a large number of migrants transported to blue cities from the southern border, costing the city approximately $7 billion. He emphasized the need for cooperation with the new federal administration to find common ground and improve the lives of New Yorkers.
The meeting between Adams and Homan comes on the heels of the Justice Department’s decision to drop a bribery case against the mayor. Acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove instructed the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York to dismiss the case against Adams without prejudice, prompting Acting U.S. Attorney Danielle Sassoon to resign in response.
Meanwhile, Attorney General Pam Bondi has taken a firm stance against sanctuary cities, including New York. Bondi recently announced a lawsuit against the state and government officials, signaling a shift in policy under the new Department of Justice. She emphasized that New York’s prioritization of illegal aliens over American citizens would no longer be tolerated.
In light of these developments, Adams’ willingness to work with the federal government on immigration enforcement reflects a departure from traditional sanctuary city policies. As the city navigates these changes, collaboration between local and federal authorities will be crucial in addressing the complex issues surrounding immigration and public safety.
