New York City Comptroller Brad Lander Detained at Immigration Court
On June 17, 2025, New York City Comptroller and Democratic mayoral candidate Brad Lander was arrested by federal agents at a Manhattan immigration court. The arrest occurred after Lander linked arms with a migrant whom authorities were attempting to detain, sparking a tense confrontation witnessed by journalists.
Details of the Confrontation
Lander had been observing immigration court hearings with the intention of accompanying migrants out of the court to protect their rights amid heightened immigration enforcement. When agents moved to arrest a man exiting a courtroom, Lander locked arms with him and demanded to see a judicial warrant. A 40-second struggle ensued as officers tried to separate them, eventually leading to Lander's arrest for allegedly obstructing law enforcement.
During the incident, Lander firmly stated, "I’m not obstructing. I’m standing right here in the hallway," refusing to step aside without a warrant. Federal officers placed him in handcuffs, citing assault on law enforcement and obstruction.
Official Statements and Legal Proceedings
Assistant Secretary for the Department of Homeland Security, Tricia McLaughlin, accused Lander of "assaulting law enforcement and impeding a federal officer," emphasizing the risks faced by immigration agents amid a dramatic rise in assaults against them.
After being held for several hours, Lander was released. The U.S. Attorney’s Office announced an investigation into the incident, with potential charges yet to be determined. Lander denied any assault and emphasized his aim was purely to accompany migrants and safeguard their right to due process.
Support and Reactions from Leaders
Following his release, Lander exited alongside his wife and New York Governor Kathy Hochul, who strongly condemned the arrest, labeling it "total bull---" and warning against federal overreach. Several mayoral candidates, including Zohran Mamdani and former Governor Andrew Cuomo, voiced their criticism, calling the incident an example of excessive government force under current immigration policies.
State Attorney General Letitia James supported Lander’s actions, highlighting concerns about migrants being detained after their cases were dismissed and underlining the importance of protecting due process rights.
Context: A Rising Tension Over Immigration Enforcement
Lander’s arrest reflects the escalating enforcement by federal immigration authorities in courtrooms nationwide. Recent arrests of other Democratic politicians and advocates — including Newark Mayor Ras Baraka and Representative LaMonica McIver — underscore the growing friction between immigration policies and local elected officials opposing aggressive immigration crackdowns.
- Lander’s role: New York City Comptroller and Democratic mayoral candidate
- Charges alleged: Assaulting law enforcement and impeding a federal officer (under investigation)
- Reaction: Strong condemnation by Governor Hochul and other political leaders
- Context: Federal immigration agents conducting increased arrests at courtrooms after case dismissals
Lander’s Stance and Future Plans
Despite the arrest, Lander vowed to continue his efforts to accompany immigrants and resist policies he considers unjust. He described the incident as a nonviolent act of protest against policies that deny migrants fair treatment, aiming to bring greater awareness to their plight.
"I believe it is important to show up and bear witness," Lander said, emphasizing the need to uphold constitutional rights amid a climate of aggressive enforcement. He remains active in the upcoming Democratic mayoral primary election scheduled for later this month.
Legal and Political Implications
The U.S. Attorney’s Office reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the integrity of official proceedings and maintaining safety while investigating potential violations of federal law. Meanwhile, advocates and politicians on both sides watch closely as the legal fallout and election dynamics unfold.
