Overview

• New York City has reversed its 2014 sanctuary policy, allowing ICE and other federal agencies to reopen offices on Rikers Island for criminal enforcement purposes.
• The executive order, signed by Deputy Mayor Randy Mastro, explicitly limits ICE's role to criminal investigations, excluding civil enforcement and deportations.
• The decision aims to target violent criminals, transnational gangs, and drug trafficking, with a focus on improving public safety through federal-local intelligence sharing.
• Mayor Eric Adams recused himself from the decision-making process, citing concerns over potential conflicts of interest following the dismissal of federal corruption charges against him.
• Progressive groups and city officials, including City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, have criticized the move, arguing it undermines sanctuary laws and threatens due process rights, with legal challenges being considered.