In a stunning reversal of New York City’s sanctuary city policies, Mayor Eric Adams has authorized the return of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to Rikers Island, signaling a sharp shift in how the city will handle criminal aliens moving forward.
The decision was formalized through an executive order signed by First Deputy Mayor Randy Mastro, allowing ICE’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) unit to operate inside the city’s largest jail complex. The goal: target violent gang members, drug traffickers, and transnational criminals using the jail system as a base of operations.
The move effectively ends a key component of the city’s sanctuary framework, which previously barred federal immigration agents from accessing local jails. While the executive order stipulates that ICE’s role will focus strictly on criminal investigations—not civil immigration enforcement—critics argue it opens the door to broader cooperation with federal authorities.
Mayor Adams defended the decision, framing it as a matter of public safety. “Our number one job is to protect New Yorkers. This is about going after gang members, traffickers, and the worst of the worst,” he said. “We are not targeting families. We’re targeting criminals.”
Unsurprisingly, the policy shift has sparked backlash from the city’s progressive wing. Immigration advocacy groups and left-wing city council members quickly condemned the move, claiming it undermines immigrant trust in law enforcement and violates the spirit of New York’s sanctuary laws.
Several council members have vowed to challenge the executive order in court, accusing the mayor of circumventing legislation designed to shield undocumented residents from deportation proceedings.
But supporters say the mayor is simply restoring common sense—and finally prioritizing the safety of law-abiding citizens over political correctness.
“New Yorkers are tired of policies that protect violent criminals just because they’re here illegally,” said one NYPD official. “This move sends a message: if you commit crimes in this city and you’re here unlawfully, there will be consequences.”
The move comes amid growing public concern over crime and a spike in high-profile cases involving illegal aliens with extensive rap sheets. By bringing ICE back into the fold, Adams is aligning the city more closely with the Trump administration’s stance on federal-local cooperation to combat violent crime.
While Adams insists the city’s commitment to protecting non-criminal immigrants remains intact, his latest order shows a clear willingness to break from the far-left orthodoxy that has dominated New York City politics for years.
The message from City Hall is clear: sanctuary ends where public safety begins.
Thank you Mayor Adams and Deputy Mayor Mastro! This is a great first step in our continuing collaboration to make NYC even safer as President Trump has committed to. Promises Made. Promises Kept.
~ Thomas D. Homan
U.S. Border Czar— Thomas D. Homan (@RealTomHoman) April 9, 2025