WhatsApp Channel Join Now New York City Comptroller Brad Lander was arrested on June 17, 2025, at an immigration court in Manhattan while escorting a defendant. He was released hours later with no charges filed. The incident has sparked debate amid tensions over President Donald Trump’s immigration policies.
What Happened at the Courthouse?
On Tuesday morning, Brad Lander, New York City’s comptroller and a Democratic candidate for mayor, was at 26 Federal Plaza in Lower Manhattan. He was there to observe immigration court hearings and support immigrants facing deportation. Lander, who has been vocal about protecting New York’s sanctuary city laws, was escorting a man named Edgardo out of the courtroom after his case was dismissed. As they walked, masked federal agents from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) approached to detain Edgardo.
Video footage shows Lander linking arms with Edgardo and asking the agents to show a judicial warrant. “I’m not obstructing, I’m standing right here in the hallway. I asked to see the judicial warrant,” Lander said. He also stated, “You don’t have the authority to arrest U.S. citizens asking for a judicial warrant.” Despite his protests, agents pinned Lander against a wall, handcuffed him, and took him into custody. The immigrant he was escorting was also arrested.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) claimed Lander was arrested for “assaulting law enforcement and impeding a federal officer.” However, Lander denied these allegations, saying, “I certainly did not assault an officer,” after his release.
Context of the Arrest
Lander’s arrest comes amid heightened tensions between Democratic leaders and the Trump administration’s aggressive immigration enforcement. President Trump, who began his second term in January 2025, has directed ICE to increase arrests in cities like New York, which he has called “Democrat Power Centers.” This has led to a surge in detentions at immigration courts, with an 807% increase in arrests of immigrants with no criminal records since January, according to The Guardian.
Hi, this is Meg Barnette, Brad's wife.
— Brad Lander (@bradlander) June 17, 2025
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 our team is monitoring the situation closely. pic.twitter.com/jekaDFjsT1
This was Lander’s third visit to the immigration court in recent weeks as part of his work with New York City ICE Watch, a group that monitors court proceedings to support immigrants. His actions align with his campaign promises to protect New York’s sanctuary city policies, which limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.
Reactions from Officials and the Public
The arrest drew strong reactions from New York officials and Lander’s fellow mayoral candidates. At a press conference outside the courthouse, Lander’s wife, Meg Barnette, a former attorney, called the incident “shocking and unacceptable.” She said, “What I saw today was not the rule of law. My husband is a U.S. citizen and an elected official, but others in that building risk having their families torn apart.”
Other leaders echoed her concerns:
- New York Governor Kathy Hochul called the arrest “bullshit” and confirmed no charges were filed against Lander.
- Former Governor Andrew Cuomo, a mayoral candidate, described it as “the latest example of the extreme thuggery of Trump’s ICE out of control.”
- State Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani, another mayoral candidate, said, “ICE has no interest in the law. It only has an interest in terrorizing people across this country.”
- New York Attorney General Letitia James called the arrest “profoundly unacceptable” and a “grotesque escalation of tensions.”
Hundreds of supporters gathered in Foley Square, chanting “Free Brad Lander!” The New York Civil Liberties Union (NYCLU) also condemned the arrest, with Executive Director Donna Lieberman stating, “Arresting a public official for asking questions is dangerous intimidation and shows a wanton disregard for the will of the people of New York.”
Broader Immigration Crackdown
Lander’s arrest is part of a series of confrontations between Democrats and federal agents. Last week, Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) was forcibly removed and handcuffed at a press conference with Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. In May, Newark Mayor Ras Baraka was arrested on trespassing charges at an ICE facility, though the charges were later dropped. Democratic Representative LaMonica McIver also faces charges for allegedly assaulting officers during the same incident.
The Trump administration defends these actions, accusing Democrats of staging “political stunts” to undermine law enforcement. DHS stated, “Our heroic ICE officers face a 413% increase in assaults against them. No one is above the law.”
What’s Next?
Lander was released around 4:30 p.m. on June 17, 2025, with no charges filed, according to Governor Hochul. He spoke to the press, saying, “I’m just fine, I lost a button, but I’m going to sleep in my bed tonight. I’m grateful no charges are being brought, but if they are, I have a lawyer.” He reaffirmed his commitment to supporting immigrant families and defending New York’s sanctuary laws.
The incident occurs just days before the Democratic mayoral primary on June 24, 2025, where Lander is a candidate in a crowded field. His arrest has energized his campaign, with supporters praising his courage. However, it also highlights the growing divide between local leaders and the Trump administration’s immigration policies.
As tensions continue, New Yorkers and observers nationwide are watching closely. Will these confrontations escalate further, or will they push for stronger protections for immigrants? The coming weeks may provide answers.
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