NYC Mayor Adams’ Rikers Solitary Confinement Orders Blocked

A Manhattan judge on Monday blocked New York City Mayor Eric Adams (D) from going around a municipal law banning solitary confinement in city prisons, including Rikers Island.

Adams illegally used his emergency powers when, on July 27, 2024, he issued two executive orders suspending portions of the law, New York County Supreme Court Judge Jeffrey Pearlman said. Adams had vetoed the bill in January 2024, but the New York City Council overrode his veto and passed it into law with an effective date of July 28, 2024.

Adams made a “rational case” in arguing that the executive orders were necessary because the law posed a health and safety risk due to a lack of staffing and resources, Pearlman said, but the City Council overriding a mayoral veto does not constitute a situation justifying an emergency order.

Pearlman made clear his decision shouldn’t be interpreted to mean there are no circumstances under which portions of the law can be suspended; The ruling on Monday only addresses Adams’ emergency actions and makes clear the mayor “cannot suspend the law because he disapproves of its impact.”

“Today’s ruling is a win for our local democracy, human rights, and public safety,” City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams (D) said.

The mayor’s office didn’t immediately respond to request for comment.

The Office of the General Counsel for the New York City Council, Rickner PLLC, and Wertheimer LLC represents the City Council and The Office of the New York City Public Advocate. The New York City Law Department represents the mayor’s office.

The case is The Council of the City of New York v. Adams, N.Y. Sup. Ct., No. 161499/2024, order 6/30/25.