Brad Lander, the comptroller of New York City and a candidate for mayor, was arrested by masked federal agents while visiting an immigration court to accompany an immigrant who had their case dismissed pending appeal. Lander confirmed the incident to Fox5NY, stating that he was present at 26 Federal Plaza to support individuals facing potential deportation.
The arrest occurred as Lander left the courtroom with the immigrant, who was also taken into custody. Footage from the event captures Lander expressing his rights to the officials, demanding to see a judicial warrant and asserting, “You don’t have the authority to arrest US citizens asking for a judicial warrant.” Despite his plea, agents, some wearing masks, detained him by pinning him against a wall and placing him in handcuffs.
Following the incident, Lander’s wife, Meg Barnette, provided updates on social media, expressing her concern and stating that they were closely monitoring the situation. In a subsequent news conference, Barnette voiced her pride in her husband’s actions, calling the arrest “shocking and unacceptable.”
Reactions to Lander’s arrest have been widespread, with fellow mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani condemning the incident as “fascism.” Other public figures, like Greg Casar, a Texas congressman, echoed this sentiment, characterizing Lander’s question about the warrant as a stand for the rights of all Americans. Similarly, New York state senator Julia Salazar criticized the legality of the actions taken by ICE agents, asserting that Lander was defending the rights of others.
Lander’s arrest highlights a troubling trend of increased deportations, particularly as federal immigration officials have ramped up arrests outside immigration courtrooms across the nation. Reports show that there has been an astonishing 807% rise in the arrest of immigrants without criminal records since early January.
This incident reflects a growing concern among lawmakers and advocates about the treatment and rights of individuals within the immigration system. As criticism mounts against federal agencies and their practices, Lander’s arrest may serve as a catalyst to inspire discussions surrounding the reform of immigration policies and protections for those navigating the system. Overall, while the situation is dire, it may provoke a more significant movement for change and accountability within immigration enforcement.