NYCLU Condemns Mayor Adams for Alleged Plans to Maintain Rikers Island Operations

NEW YORK CITY – Mayor Adams of New York City is reportedly contemplating a reversal on closing Rikers Island, proposing to convert planned borough-based facilities into housing instead. The New York Civil Liberties Union, through Co-Director of Policy Naila Awan's statement, condemned this potential decision. Awan emphasized that keeping Rikers open is unconstitutional and harmful, especially for marginalized communities. She expressed that New Yorkers deserve a leader focused on affordable housing and mental health support while resolving the human rights crisis posed by Rikers.