Inmate Deaths, Threat Of Federal Takeover Will Determine The Fate Of Rikers Island

A sign marks the location of the Rikers Correctional Center in the East River in March 2021 in New York City. Inmates and advocates say unsanitary living conditions, poor quality food and violence plague the embattled facility. So far this year, 18 inmates have died at the jail.   GARY HERSHORN/GETTY IMAGES 

NEW YORK — Rikers Island jail is waging its own war. 

At issue is whether a federal receiver takes the reins of the jail from New York City’s control. The next hearing on Rikers’ fate is in April.