NY Governor Hochul on Dropped Charges Against Comptroller Brad Lander and Immigration Issues

Lander's Arrest and Dropped Charges

• 🗽 New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced that charges against New York City Comptroller Brad Lander have been dropped.
• 🤝 Hochul stated that Lander was arrested by ICE while she was volunteering in Little Haiti, a community facing a travel ban and legal status concerns.
• 🗣️ Lander, who was with an immigrant advocacy organization, expressed gratitude that his charges were dropped and that he has legal representation, unlike others.

Concerns for Immigrants Facing Detention

• 💔 Lander highlighted the plight of individuals like Edgardo, who are in ICE detention, lack lawyers, and are being stripped of due process rights.
• ⚖️ He criticized the government and judges for deciding to deport individuals without a credible fear hearing, impacting those whose native language is not English and who may not understand proceedings.
• 💸 Governor Hochul announced that New York State is providing $50 million to cover legal services for immigrants facing similar situations.

A "Sad Day" for New York and the US

• 😥 Hochul described the situation as a "sad day" for New York and the United States, emphasizing that the country is "a far better country than what we're experiencing."
• 🌍 She asserted that New York is a land of immigrants and expressed pride in their contributions, noting that many courthouse staff are immigrants themselves.
• 🚫 The governor contrasted the treatment of immigrants with the empty streets and fear experienced by communities like Little Haiti due to travel bans and legal status issues.