NYC Mayoral Candidate Brad Lander Arrested at Immigration Court, Charges Dropped

Arrest at Immigration Court

• 🏛️ NYC mayoral candidate Brad Lander was arrested at a federal immigration court while attempting to observe proceedings.
• 📸 The arrest was captured on camera by a member of Lander's staff after he went to the court for the third time.
• 🤝 Lander had linked arms with an undocumented immigrant and other volunteers to show support and prevent arrests.

Conflicting Details and DHS Statement

• 🗣️ Lander reportedly told officers they could not arrest an American citizen without a judicial warrant.
• ⚠️ A spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security stated Lander was arrested for assaulting law enforcement and impeding a federal officer.
• ⚖️ The department emphasized that no one is above the law and consequences follow actions against officers.

Lander's Release and Stance

• 📍 Lander was released later in the afternoon after the charges against him were dropped.
• ✊ He stated his intention to return to the courthouse to bear witness and urged others to do the same.
• 📢 Elected officials gathered to denounce Lander's arrest and criticize the Trump administration's deportation policies.

Broader Context of Immigration Enforcement

• 😟 Lander's actions were in response to the arrest of undocumented immigrants, including a Bronx high school student, by masked ICE agents during routine hearings.
• ⚖️ Critics described the proceedings and arrests as unacceptable and potentially illegal.
• 📢 The incident highlighted concerns about the treatment of individuals within the immigration system, particularly those who are less well-known.