NYC Comptroller Brad Lander Detained by ICE While Observing Immigration Court

ICE's New "Dismissal" Policy

• ⚠️ A new Department of Homeland Security (DHS) policy involves dismissing immigration cases, which strips individuals of their legal status and makes them subject to expedited removal.
• 💡 This policy is a departure from previous procedures where individuals with court dates and pending asylum applications would receive a credible fear hearing and due process.
• 🎯 The change means that individuals who followed the legal process are now being deported without a hearing or legal representation.

Immigration Arc and "Friend of the Court" Role

• 🤝 Brad Lander was serving as a "friend of the court" with Immigration Arc, a coalition that encourages volunteers to observe immigration court proceedings.
• 🚶 The role involves escorting individuals and families out of the courtroom and building, especially after their cases are dismissed, to protect them from ICE agents waiting in the vicinity.
• ✅ Lander successfully escorted families in five out of seven instances, but was detained during his escort of Edgardo.

Detainment and Lack of Due Process

• 🚨 Lander was detained by ICE agents after attempting to escort Edgardo, who was presumed to be in ICE detention without a lawyer.
• ⏱️ Lander was held for four hours, during which he questioned the agents' authority and requested to see a judicial warrant for Edgardo's removal.
• ⚖️ The situation highlights a lack of due process, as individuals are informed of a 30-day appeal period but are immediately detained without means to exercise this right.

Judicial Discretion and "Gestapo Tactics"

• 🏛️ Some immigration judges are objecting to the dismissal policy and ensuring individuals receive hearings, while others are reportedly going along with the government's directives.
• 🗣️ In one instance, a government lawyer had to correct a judge who failed to explain an individual's right to appeal.
• 🔍 Lander describes the process as feeling like a "kangaroo court" and questions the motives of judges who appear to be facilitating these actions.

Challenging the System

• 📢 Lander emphasizes the importance of showing up to these proceedings to call out injustices and encourages others to volunteer with Immigration Arc.
• ✊ He advocates for elected officials to show up and support immigrants, highlighting the erosion of the rule of law.
• 📣 The video also promotes the Majority Report's daily show and encourages viewers to subscribe and engage with their content.