Federal Control Ordered for Rikers Island Jail Complex

A federal judge has removed control of New York City's Rikers Island jail complex from city authorities and appointed an independent 'remediation manager' with broad authority, including over hiring, staff deployment, and disciplinary actions related to use of force. Judge Laura Taylor Swain's ruling comes after nearly a decade of federal monitoring and a 2023 contempt finding against the city for failing to enact court-ordered reforms addressing violence and constitutional violations. Despite increased spending and staffing, conditions at Rikers have worsened, with ongoing violence, self-harm, and deaths in custody. Advocates for detainees support the move as a necessary step, while Mayor Eric Adams acknowledged the deep-rooted problems but pointed to legislative limitations on city reforms. The remediation manager, who cannot be a city employee, will report directly to the court. The city and federal officials must submit candidates for the position by late August 2025.