In what unfolded into a startling scene at a Manhattan immigration court, New York City Comptroller and current mayoral candidate Brad Lander was taken into custody by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents earlier today. According to a report from ABC7NY, Lander was detained as he attempted to accompany a defendant out of the court at 26 Federal Plaza. His actions prompted an agent to accuse him of "obstructing," to which Lander responded, while being handcuffed, "I'm not obstructing, I'm standing right here in the hallway."
Amidst the confusion of the arrest, Lander asserted his rights, claiming, "You don't have the authority to arrest U.S. citizens asking for a judicial warrant," as documented by ABC7NY.
The incident took a dramatic turn when Lander, observed by journalists at amNewYork, was forcibly taken by agents after walking arm-in-arm with an immigrant whose case had been dismissed pending appeal. Dressed with tactical gear and surgical masks, which concealed their identities, agents from ICE, the FBI, and the Treasury Department were involved in the operation.
While arms were locked in solidarity with the individual facing deportation, the agents intervened, escalating the situation. Lander's demand for legal documentation was met with unyielding force, "Show me your warrant, show me your badge," he insisted repeatedly. An agent then ordered, "Take him in," and Lander was pressed against the wall and handcuffed. Even as he was taken, Lander continued to proclaim, “You don’t have the authority to arrest US citizens,” as captured by amNewYork. Details regarding the charges against Lander have not been disclosed.
Lander's campaign spokesperson, Dora Pekec, confirmed the incident, stating to ABC7NY, "While escorting a defendant out of immigration court at 26 Federal Plaza, Brad was taken by masked agents and detained by ICE. This is still developing and we are monitoring the situation closely." The arrest of a mayoral candidate, especially one in the role of comptroller, accentuates the tensions between local officials and federal immigration authorities.
