NYC Comptroller Brad Lander Arrested by ICE, Charges Dropped

Arrest and Release of Brad Lander

• 🏙️ New York City Comptroller and mayoral candidate Brad Lander was arrested by ICE agents at immigration court.
• 🏛️ Lander was present at the court to observe proceedings and assist undocumented immigrants, a practice he had engaged in for several weeks.
• 🚨 He was handcuffed and led away by agents after reportedly linking arms with an individual whose immigration case had been dismissed, while asking agents if they had a judicial warrant.
• 🗣️ Lander stated to agents, "You don't have the authority to arrest US citizens asking for a judicial warrant."
• 🤝 Governor Hokll was present upon Lander's release and announced that the charges had been dropped.

Homeland Security's Stance

• ⚖️ A spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security stated that Lander was arrested for assaulting law enforcement and impeding a federal officer.
• ⚠️ The department emphasized that "No one is above the law, and if you lay a hand on a law enforcement officer, you will face consequences."

Lander's Response and Future Actions

• ✅ Lander confirmed he is doing okay, aside from a missing button on his jacket, and stated he did not know the specific charges until after his release.
• 📢 He vowed to return to the immigration court to "bear witness and accompany" others, urging other New Yorkers to do the same.

Political Reactions and Mayoral Race Impact

• 📢 Elected officials, including many of Lander's opponents in the Democratic mayoral primary, denounced his arrest.
• 🗣️ Opponents like Dianne Morales and Scott Stringer criticized ICE's actions as "disgusting," "brutal," and a "disgraceful display of thuggery."
• 🤔 Mayor Adams stated the day should be about immigrants feeling safe, not just about Brad Lander, a stance noted as unsurprising given their past tensions.
• 📈 Lander's campaign hopes the arrest will bolster his standing by highlighting his willingness to stand up to Donald Trump's deportation policies.