Public Advocate calls for action to address rising Rikers Island population during ongoing discussions about closure plans.

Public Advocate Jumaane Williams has called on the Adams administration to reevaluate strategies aimed at reducing New York City’s jail population, which has surged to 7,405 inmates. This significant rise has compelled the Department of Correction to implement unconventional measures, including housing male detainees in areas originally designed for women at Rikers Island and expanding bed limits in several facilities.

As of May 2025, the daily jail population has seen an alarming increase of approximately 900 inmates since January 3, 2025, marking a 13.5% rise from 6,524 to the current figure of 7,405. This surge is part of a broader trend during Mayor Adams’ tenure, which has witnessed a staggering 37% increase in the jail population since January 6, 2022, when it stood at 5,413. Notably, this is the first time since 2019 that the jail population has exceeded 7,000.

The issue of rising detainment numbers has become increasingly contentious as discussions continue regarding the city’s legally mandated plan to close Rikers Island by 2027. This plan, endorsed by the City Council and Mayor Bill de Blasio in 2019, focuses on constructing four new borough jails, with a total bed capacity projected at around 3,300. This is significantly lower than the current population.

Recent reports have surfaced indicating that Mayor Adams has considered potentially abandoning the initiative to close Rikers and instead repurpose three borough-based locations for housing. This potential shift is expected to meet substantial opposition from various advocacy groups. An Adams administration spokesperson asserted that efforts to construct borough-based jails are ongoing, with an emphasis on closing Rikers.

During a recent unannounced inspection of Rikers, Williams noted that approximately 1,000 individuals currently held there should not be, including around 700 who are “state-ready,” meaning they should have transitioned to state prison if not for delays attributed to staffing shortages. Additionally, nearly 188 inmates are categorized as mentally ill and unable to stand trial, thus not suitable for detention in a facility like Rikers.

Williams expressed frustration with the administration’s apparent reluctance to address the increasing population, arguing for alternative solutions such as supervised release and enhancements to the court processing timelines. Advocacy from groups like Freedom Agenda highlighted that, prior to Mayor Adams’ administration, the jail population had been steadily declining, particularly following the onset of COVID-19, when numbers dropped below 4,000.

In response to Williams’ criticisms, Liz Garcia, a representative from the Adams administration, highlighted the city’s commitment to maintaining public safety while exploring humane conditions for detainees. Garcia contended that the administration regularly monitors jail conditions without publicizing their visits.

Simultaneously, the Department of Correction has proposed new measures to combat contraband within the facilities, including the potential for the opening of detainee mail for contraband checks. This has raised concerns among advocates about the necessity and implications of such actions within an already tense environment.

As discussions surrounding the future of Rikers and the city’s correctional strategies continue, the complex interplay between public safety, inmate welfare, and the operational conditions of the jail remains a pivotal issue for urban governance in New York City.