NYC Comptroller Brad Lander arrested during fiery ICE court protest, sparks political firestorm in City Hall

NYC Comptroller Brad Lander went to 26 Federal Plaza on June 17th morning to watch immigration court hearings. He wanted to support immigrants who might be deported. While leaving court, Lander and his staff walked arm-in-arm with an immigrant whose case had just been dismissed pending appeal, as per reports.

Suddenly, masked federal agents from ICE, FBI, and Treasury Dept tried to seize the immigrant. Lander asked the agents to show a judicial warrant and badge, and said he’d let go if they did. One agent said, "Take him in," and they grabbed Lander, pushed him to a wall, and handcuffed him. Lander shouted, “You don’t have the authority to arrest US citizens,” and said he was just standing there, as stated in the report by Amny.

Family and staff reaction

The agents didn’t answer when someone asked where they were taking him. It's not clear what charges Lander faces, but sources say he might just get a summons. Lander’s spokesperson Dora Pekec confirmed the arrest and said they’re watching the situation, as per reports.


His wife Meg Barnette said she thinks he’ll be OK, but pointed out that other families inside are scared of being split apart, which she called “an abomination.” Lander had already said he won’t run again for comptroller, he’s now running for mayor in the June 24 Democratic primary. Two people trying to take Lander’s current job, Justin Brannan and Mark Levine were angry about his arrest, as mentioned by Amny report.

Brannan posted on X, "Trump’s ICE cowboy gestapo isn’t about safety, it’s about fear and hate. We can’t let this become normal.” Levine said: “Masked ICE agents violently arrested a US citizen and elected official just for asking for a warrant. This is authoritarianism”, as stated by reports.

FAQs

Q1. Why was Brad Lander arrested at immigration court?
He was arrested for standing with an immigrant and asking ICE agents to show a warrant.

Q2. Who is Brad Lander and what position is he running for?
He’s NYC’s Comptroller and is running for Mayor in the June 24 Democratic primary.