Manhattan Federal Decide Dale Ho’s determination to dismiss “with prejudice” the sweeping public corruption prices in opposition to Mayor Adams was a stinging indictment of the Justice Division’s place that it may drop the case to acquire the mayor’s cooperation on immigration issues.
“DOJ’s immigration enforcement rationale is both unprecedented and breathtaking in its sweep. DOJ cites no examples, and the Court is unable to find any, of the government dismissing charges against an elected official because doing so would enable the official to facilitate federal policy goals,” Ho wrote.
The ruling is consistent with the findings of an impartial lawyer, Paul Clement, Ho appointed to advise him on the matter. Clement — echoing widespread criticism of the deal — mentioned the prospect of the mayor feeling indebted to the president out of worry he could possibly be reindicted and never New Yorkers was “deeply troubling,” although Adams has persistently denied there was any quid professional quo.
“[After] DOJ decided to seek dismissal of his case, the Mayor took at least one new immigration-related action consistent with the preferences of the new administration. Everything here smacks of a bargain: dismissal of the Indictment in exchange for immigration policy concessions,” Ho wrote.
Learn the ruling right here:
Initially Revealed: April 2, 2025 at 11:17 AM EDT
