Brad Lander Released Following Arrest at Immigration Court
New York City Comptroller and mayoral hopeful Brad Lander was released Tuesday evening after a dramatic arrest earlier that day outside a federal immigration court at 26 Federal Plaza. The incident, which was captured on video and quickly spread across social media, sparked significant political backlash and public protests.
What Happened at 26 Federal Plaza?
Lander, who was accompanying an immigrant identified as "Edgardo," was detained by masked Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and FBI agents shortly after escorting him out of the courtroom. Video footage shows Lander insisting on seeing a judicial warrant before letting go of Edgardo, telling the agents, "I will let go when you show me the judicial warrant." The officers then pushed him against a wall and placed handcuffs on him.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) later accused Lander of assaulting law enforcement officers and impeding a federal officer, allegations he firmly denied. Upon his release, Lander stated, "I certainly did not assault anyone. You don't have the authority to arrest US citizens asking for a judicial warrant."
Political Reactions and Public Outcry
Lander’s detention drew swift condemnation from leading political figures. Governor Kathy Hochul condemned the arrest as "bullshit," confirming that all charges against Lander had since been dropped. At a press briefing, she assured, "He walked out of there a free man."
His wife, Meg Barnette, announced the arrest on social media, stating, "While escorting a defendant out of immigration court, Brad was taken by masked agents and detained by ICE."
- State Senator Julia Salazar lamented the arrest as evidence of ICE flagrantly breaking the law.
- Former Governor Andrew Cuomo condemned the move as "thuggery" and indicative of ICE operating out of control under former leadership.
- Critics described the incident as a disturbing display of fascism and overreach by federal agencies.
Supporters Rally Outside the Courthouse
Outside the federal courthouse, crowds of supporters gathered in protest, chanting slogans like "Free Brad Lander" and holding signs proclaiming "Immigrants are New York." Security barricades prevented protesters from entering the building as the situation heightened tensions around immigration enforcement policies.
Lander Addresses the Incident Post-Release
After being freed, Lander downplayed his own condition, humorously noting, "I’m just fine. Lost a button, that’s all." However, he voiced concern for Edgardo, who remained in ICE custody without legal representation. Lander highlighted, "So far as I know, he has no lawyer. He has been stripped of his due process rights."
Taking to social media platform X, Lander criticized the administration, calling it a "fascist regime" and warning that allowing such actions were a threat to the rule of law and the well-being of all Americans.
Context: Rising ICE Enforcement Activity
This arrest is part of a broader uptick in immigration enforcement measures. The event recalls a similar incident involving California Senator Alex Padilla, who was handcuffed during a press conference challenging the Department of Homeland Security's actions in Los Angeles.
These escalating confrontations between federal immigration authorities and public officials underscore the growing tension and debate over immigration policies nationwide.
