ICE Detains NYC Comptroller Brad Lander in Shocking Immigration Court Arrest

New York City Comptroller Brad Lander, who is also running for mayor, was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents Tuesday afternoon outside the federal immigration court in Manhattan. 

The incident unfolded after Lander attempted to accompany an illegal immigrant whose case had just been dismissed, according to his spokesperson.

Video footage shared on social media showed Lander walking alongside a man as he exited 26 Federal Plaza, the location of New York’s immigration court. 

Despite the dismissal of the individual’s case, ICE agents arrested the man moments later. 

Another video captures the moment ICE officers restrain Lander himself. 

As agents put him in handcuffs, he can be heard saying, “I’m not obstructing.”

Lander’s spokesperson, Dora Pekec, confirmed the comptroller’s arrest, saying, “While escorting a defendant out of immigration court at 26 Federal Plaza, Brad Lander was taken by masked agents and detained by ICE.” 

She added that the situation is still developing and that they are monitoring it closely. 

Unnamed sources told The New York Post that Lander faces a charge of obstruction of governmental administration, though no official federal statement has been released as of yet.

The 55-year-old Missouri native has been a fixture in New York City politics since his first election to the City Council in 2009, where he served as deputy leader for policy, according to FOX 5. 

In 2021, he won the position of New York City Comptroller, taking office the following year. 

Since announcing his candidacy for mayor last year, Lander has pushed a platform focused on police reform, affordable housing and addressing the city’s ongoing migrant challenges.

During a recent appearance on “Good Day New York,” Lander emphasized his commitment to public safety, stating, “New Yorkers deserve a safe city on the subways and in their neighborhoods, so we’re going to recruit, retain, and support officers to confront violent crime and get illegal guns off the street.”

He also highlighted plans to address homelessness and mental health issues in public spaces, aiming to “bring competence and integrity back to City Hall.”

The comptroller has frequently positioned himself as an advocate for illegal immigrants and has been known to attend immigration hearings to observe and support defendants. 

According to reports, Lander was assisting individuals exiting court to shield them from ICE detention, a practice he has publicly supported in the past.

This arrest marks one of several recent confrontations between Democratic lawmakers and ICE officials. 

In New Jersey, Newark Mayor Ras Baraka was arrested after clashing with federal immigration authorities during efforts to shield illegal immigrants from enforcement actions.

Rep. LaMonica McIver (D-NJ) is facing criminal charges over immigration enforcement protests, while California Sen. Alex Padilla (D) was recently arrested after attempting to storm the podium during a press conference held by DHS Secretary Kristi Noem on anti-ICE demonstrations.

The detention of a sitting city official actively campaigning for mayor raises questions about tensions between federal immigration authorities and local elected officials. 

No further details have been released by Lander’s office or ICE regarding the status of the case or potential legal proceedings.

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