Federal Judge Appoints Independent Manager at Rikers in Landmark Win for NYCLU and Justice Reform

In a pivotal move toward justice reform, a federal judge has ordered the appointment of an independent remediation manager to oversee operations at Rikers Island, following years of documented abuse and constitutional violations. The ruling in Nunez v. City of New York marks a critical turning point, drawing praise from the New York Civil Liberties Union (NYCLU). “This decision is long overdue,” said Molly Biklen, NYCLU’s Interim Legal Director, who highlighted the tragic deaths of Kalief Browder and Layleen Polanco as examples of systemic failure. The appointment signals a demand for transparency, accountability, and immediate reform in what is often called one of America’s deadliest jails. As public pressure mounts and federal oversight increases, advocates are calling this a necessary first step toward dismantling a broken, inhumane system.