New York City Comptroller Brad Lander, in the midst of his mayoral campaign, experienced an unexpected confrontation with federal law enforcement on Tuesday. In an incident that quickly escalated outside the federal immigration court in Manhattan, Lander was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. The event, which has sparked considerable discussion, occurred after Lander attempted to accompany an illegal immigrant, whose case had been dismissed, away from the court premises.
The scene unfolded at 26 Federal Plaza, where video footage that circulated on social media captured Lander walking beside the man as they exited the building. Despite the dismissal of the individual’s case, ICE agents proceeded to arrest the man and then Lander himself. In the video, as agents placed him in handcuffs, Lander can be heard asserting, “I’m not obstructing.”
Lander’s spokesperson, Dora Pekec, confirmed the arrest, stating that the comptroller was “taken by masked agents and detained by ICE” while escorting a defendant out of immigration court. The situation is reportedly still developing, with Lander’s office closely monitoring the events.
The New York Post, citing unnamed sources, reported that Lander faces a charge of obstruction of governmental administration. However, as of this report, no official statement has been released by federal authorities concerning the charges.
A well-known figure in New York City politics, Lander first assumed office as a City Council member in 2009, later securing the position of New York City Comptroller in 2021. His mayoral platform has been marked by a commitment to police reform, affordable housing, and addressing the city's challenges with migrants.
Lander has made clear his dedication to public safety and his plans to tackle homelessness and mental health issues. He has also been a vocal advocate for illegal immigrants, often attending immigration hearings to support defendants. This arrest is one of several recent incidents illustrating the ongoing tension between Democratic lawmakers and ICE officials.
In New Jersey, Newark Mayor Ras Baraka faced arrest after disputing with ICE over immigrant protection. Similarly, Rep. LaMonica McIver (D-NJ) is dealing with legal repercussions stemming from immigration enforcement protests.
The detention of Lander, an active city official and mayoral hopeful, brings to the forefront the complex relationship between federal immigration authorities and local elected officials. As the case progresses, further details are awaited from both Lander's office and ICE regarding the legal proceedings.
