NYC Ends Decade-Long Sanctuary Policy, Authorizes ICE Operations at Rikers Island

First Deputy Mayor Randy Mastro signs executive order allowing federal agencies to collaborate on criminal investigations, citing public safety benefits.

An executive order signed by First Deputy Mayor Randy Mastro reinstates ICE and other federal agencies at Rikers Island for criminal investigations after a 10-year absence.
The decision aims to improve intelligence sharing between federal and local law enforcement to combat violent gangs, transnational crime, and drug trafficking.
Mayor Eric Adams recused himself from the decision-making process, delegating authority to Mastro following the dismissal of his federal corruption charges.
The move has drawn praise from federal officials like Thomas D. Homan but has faced criticism from immigrant rights advocates, who view it as a threat to NYC’s sanctuary policies.
This policy shift reverses a 2014 law that barred ICE from operating at Rikers, marking a significant change in NYC's approach to federal immigration enforcement.