NYC Comptroller Brad Lander Arrested by ICE While Escorting Immigrant

ICE Arrest of Brad Lander

• 🗽 NYC Comptroller Brad Lander was arrested by ICE agents outside an immigration courtroom while escorting a man named Edgardo.
• 🏛️ Lander was detained for demanding to see a judicial warrant from ICE agents attempting to detain Edgardo.
• 🗣️ Lander stated that while he has due process and legal representation, Edgardo does not, highlighting the plight of immigrants seeking asylum.

ICE Tactics and Immigration Policy

• 🚨 Lander has been volunteering as an observer and escort for individuals with immigration hearings, noting a recent change where cases are dismissed, leading to expedited removal.
• 🚫 ICE agents are reportedly meeting individuals at the courtroom exit to arrest them immediately after their cases are dismissed.
• ⚖️ Lander emphasized the importance of immigrants having access to lawyers and due process, criticizing Mayor Eric Adams for not adequately supporting immigrant families.

Political Reactions and Mayor Adams' Stance

• 📢 Several other mayoral candidates, including Zoran Mandani and Adrienne Adams, condemned Lander's arrest.
• ❌ Mayor Eric Adams remained silent on the arrest, a move Lander attributed to Adams seeking a pardon from Donald Trump.
• 🤝 Lander and Mandani, both mayoral candidates, cross-endorsed each other, encouraging supporters to use rank-choice voting to prevent Andrew Cuomo from becoming mayor.

Authoritarian Tactics and Rule of Law

• ⚠️ Lander described the ICE actions as part of a broader pattern of authoritarians stoking conflict, striking fear into immigrant communities, and undermining the rule of law.
• ✊ He called for standing up for due process and people's rights in a non-violent and insistent manner.
• 🇺🇸 Lander stressed that New York City, as a sanctuary city, needs stronger state-level protections for immigrants, including increased legal representation.