NYC Comptroller Brad Lander Detained by ICE, Speaks on Due Process and Immigrant Rights

Detainment and Release

• 🗽 New York City Comptroller Brad Lander was detained by federal agents at a Manhattan immigration court on June 17.
• 🤝 He was escorting a detainee named Edgardo out of court when ICE agents apprehended him.
• ⚖️ Lander was released later that day after Governor Kathy Hochul intervened and charges were dropped.
• 🩹 Lander reported being unharmed, stating he "lost a button" but would sleep safely at home, unlike Edgardo.

Concerns for Immigrants

• 🚫 Lander highlighted that Edgardo, whom he was accompanying, is in ICE detention and may lack legal representation or due process.
• 🗣️ He described another individual whose native language is Yoruba but only received a translator in French, indicating a failure in due process.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Lander and his wife, Meg, also assisted a family of four (parents and two young children) who were given one week to address their fear of deportation.

Rule of Law and Constitutional Democracy

• 🚨 Lander expressed deep concern that the rule of law and constitutional democracy are under threat.
• 🇺🇸 He criticized actions that deny immigrants due process and violate international law obligations.
• 🤝 Lander emphasized his participation in a tradition of "accompaniment" to bear witness and ensure rules are followed.
• ❓ He questioned the ICE agents' lack of a warrant and the inability to contact Edgardo after his detainment.
• 🌍 Lander stated that the United States, as the "greatest immigrant city that the world has ever known," should not allow such actions.