NYC Comptroller Brad Lander Detained Outside Federal Immigration Court
In a startling development Tuesday morning, New York City Comptroller and Democratic mayoral hopeful Brad Lander was arrested by federal agents at a Manhattan immigration courthouse as he attempted to accompany an individual leaving a hearing.
What Led to the Arrest?
Lander had spent the morning observing immigration court proceedings at the federal building and was reportedly there to "accompany" immigrants exiting the courthouse. Moments after escorting one individual, agents from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the FBI moved in to detain both Lander and the person he accompanied.
Wife Describes Chaotic Scene
Lander’s wife, Meg Barnette, recounted the tense encounter at a press conference following the arrest. She explained that her husband attempted to link arms with the man post-hearing when a group of federal agents swiftly intervened. "They said, ‘You’re obstructing,’ and I was shoved aside," Barnette said. She described the scene as "shocking and unacceptable," emphasizing that the actions did not represent the rule of law.
Video Captures Confrontation
Footage recorded by a reporter reveals agents accusing Lander of obstruction before forcibly separating him from the detainee. Lander briefly struggled to remain close to the individual but was handcuffed and taken away. Amid the commotion, Lander asserted, "I'm not obstructing, I'm standing right here in the hallway," and challenged the authority of the officers to detain citizens without judicial warrants.
The officers involved included both plainclothes agents wearing surgical masks and others in tactical gear marked "federal agent."
Context of Federal Immigration Arrests Nationwide
This incident unfolds amid a nationwide increase in large-scale arrests by federal immigration officials targeting individuals outside immigration courtrooms.
Lander’s arrest occurs just over a month after a similar high-profile detention of Newark, New Jersey’s Mayor Ras Baraka. Baraka faced a trespassing charge during a visit to a federal immigration detention center—a charge later dropped by the interim U.S. Attorney for New Jersey. In connection with that event, Democratic Congresswoman LaMonica McIver was indicted on allegations of assaulting federal agents during efforts to protect the mayor. She denies the accusations and intends to contest them. Baraka has also filed a federal lawsuit alleging false arrest and malicious prosecution.
Political Implications as Mayoral Race Heats Up
Brad Lander remains an active contender in the Democratic primary for New York City mayor, with early voting already underway. His campaign released a statement confirming that while escorting a defendant out of 26 Federal Plaza, Lander was detained by masked ICE agents.
Looking Ahead
Federal agencies have yet to respond to inquiries about the incident. The arrest underscores the escalating tension between immigration enforcement efforts and public officials advocating for immigrant rights.
