NYC Council Sues Mayor Adams Over ICE Agents Return To Rikers

NEW YORK CITY — The New York City Council has sued the Adams' administration on Tuesday in an attempt to block an executive order that would allow ICE agents and other federal immigration officials to reopen offices on Rikers Island.

The lawsuit filed in Manhattan Supreme Court argues First Deputy Mayor Randy Mastro "made no meaningful independent analysis of the situation" and that Adams directed him to sign the executive order as part of an alleged deal with the Trump administration, according to a New York Post report.

According to the executive order, federal agencies will support local law enforcement in its efforts against international gangs and criminal enterprises such as MS-13 and Tren de Aragua that have been designated by as foreign terrorist organizations, Patch previously reported.

“Mayor Eric Adams, as part of a corrupt quid pro quo bargain to end the federal criminal case against him, promised to let United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) return to Rikers Island and set up an office,” the suit reads. “The Trump Administration has repeatedly confirmed that they will use that office and ICE’s presence on Rikers to supercharge their mass deportation efforts.”

The suit also argues that the executive order is "null and void" because Adams never formally gave Mastro the power to issue such an order. In addition, the order violates city conflict of interest laws.

As part of the lawsuit, the council is asking for a state judge to grant a temporary restraining order and a preliminary injunction to prevent federal immigration authorities from operating on Rikers.

“Once again, this City Council is standing firm to protect the rights and safety of all New Yorkers against attacks by the Trump administration—because the city’s mayor won’t stop placing his own personal interests ahead of the people of our city,” Speaker Adrienne Adams said in a statement.

Mayor Adams has yet to officially comment on the lawsuit.

This is a developing story. This post may be updated.