Mayor Eric Adams distanced himself from the controversial decision to allow ICE agents to conduct investigations at Rikers Island, indicating that the idea originated with Councilmember Robert Holden. During a press briefing, Adams mentioned that Holden had frequently pressed for the involvement of ICE. However, Holden refutes Adams’ portrayal, stating he felt unfairly blamed for the decision. The fallout from this decision has led to legal challenges and claims that the mayor offered Rikers to the Trump administration in return for help with his own legal troubles.
The first person that brought that to me about ... ICE on Rikers was Councilman Holden,' Adams said during his weekly 'off-topic' press conference. 'Holden reached out.'
I looked at it [like the mayor was deflecting to me],” Holden said. “Well, that’s the way I took it, like he was deflecting, or at least saying it was Holden’s idea.”
Adams told reporters to reach out to Holden 'about the conversation [he] had with Eric.'
Holden also said Adams unfairly blamed the Queens lawmaker for putting into motion the plan that has not only resulted in a lawsuit.
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