Robert Holden praises NYC mayor Adams for reopening ICE Office at Rikers
Holden has consistently pushed for this action to be taken.
The decision to bring back the ICE office at Rikers Island has raised questions among some community leaders, but Holden remains firm in his belief that it is a necessary step for New York City’s safety.
According to Holden, the move will not only bolster security within the jail system but also send a strong message about the city’s commitment to upholding the law. As the debate continues, the reopening of the office is set to be a pivotal point in the ongoing discussion of immigration policy and law enforcement in New York.
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NYC Mayor Adams' announcement
On Thursday, Feb. 13, Mayor Adams announced that the city will utilize executive powers to allow ICE agents to resume operations on Rikers Island, reversing a ban that has been in effect since 2015.
This decision follows a meeting between Adams and former ICE Director Tom Homan, who has been pushing for increased federal oversight of the city’s immigration policies.
“We are now working on implementing an executive order that will reestablish the ability for ICE agents to operate on Rikers Island — as was the case for 20 years,” Adams stated.
The Mayor highlighted that the executive order would restrict ICE agents' actions to investigations related to criminal and gang activity, a stance he reinforced during his appearance on Fox and Friends.
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Council members question executive order amid Sanctuary Policy debate
Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, along with Council Members Alexa Avilés and Sandy Nurse, have raised concerns about the executive order. In a joint statement, they expressed unease over the Mayor's plan to grant the Trump administration access to Rikers Island, stating that they need to review the executive order's language to assess its legality.
The debate about reopening the ICE office is part of a broader political conflict between Mayor Adams and state and federal authorities regarding sanctuary policies.