For Immediate Release
Contact: Jake Oliver, jake@anatgerstein.com, 347 361 9983
New York, NY (May 13, 2025) – Citizens Union has released the following statement from Director of Public Policy Ben Weinberg in response to judge Laura Taylor Swain ordering an independent outside official take control of Rikers Island from the City of New York:
“Judge Swain’s decision to transfer control of Rikers Island to an independent federal receiver is a necessary step to address what has long been a full-blown humanitarian crisis.
“It is a sad reality that it has come to this—but after decades of failure by multiple mayoral administrations to enact meaningful reform, and in light of a continued deterioration in safety and oversight, federal intervention is the only path forward. And to be clear, this decision is not about closing Rikers, but about establishing order in our city jails as they are currently situated.
“In 2023, Citizens Union reluctantly urged Judge Swain to appoint a federal receiver—not because we take lightly the removal of local control, which we typically champion—but because the facts on the ground at Rikers Island demanded it. Inaction, obstruction, and dysfunction have allowed violence to escalate, deaths to rise, and the rights of detainees to be routinely violated. The current system is not only broken—it is dangerous.
“We urge all city officials to cooperate fully with the receiver once appointed. The work ahead will be difficult and require sustained effort, but the status quo is unacceptable and indefensible. New Yorkers deserve a corrections system that is just, humane, and accountable. Today’s ruling is a long-overdue course correction toward that goal.”
About Citizens Union
For over 125 years, Citizens Union has been a leading non-partisan advocate for good government, transparency, ethics, and democratic reform in New York City and State. Learn more at www.citizensunion.org.