New York City Comptroller and mayoral candidate Brad Lander was arrested by federal agents in Manhattan. Officers from US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) took him into custody, accusing him of “assaulting” law enforcement and blocking a federal officer.
Arrest at Federal Immigration Court
The incident happened at a federal immigration court in Lower Manhattan. Lander, a Democrat, was there to observe proceedings and support immigrants seeking legal help.
Masked ICE agents detained him after they claimed he interfered with their duties. The Department of Homeland Security confirmed the arrest, saying Lander was “impeding” officers during the operation.
Lander’s Side of the Story
Lander, 55, was trying to accompany an immigrant to court and asked agents for proper legal documents.
In a video that circulated online, Lander can be seen confronting the agents. “I’m not obstructing, I’m standing right here in the hallway. I asked to see the judicial warrant,” he said. He also told the officers, “You don’t have the authority to arrest US citizens asking for judicial warrants.”
The video shows agents forcibly removing Lander from the scene.
Homeland Security Defends Arrest
In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), the Department of Homeland Security backed the agents’ actions. The agency said, “Lander was arrested for assaulting law enforcement and impeding a federal officer.”
They criticized political figures who interfere with law enforcement for publicity. “It is wrong that politicians seeking higher office undermine law enforcement safety to get a viral moment. No one is above the law, and if you lay a hand on a law enforcement officer, you will face consequences,” the agency added.
Political Fallout and Reactions
The arrest quickly sparked political controversy. Several Democratic candidates for mayor and local officials condemned the move. They accused ICE of using excessive force and claimed it was part of a larger pattern of intimidation.
Some officials described it as “thuggery” by the Trump administration. They argued that federal immigration officers are targeting cities and states governed by Democrats.
Federal Crackdown Escalates
The arrest comes amid a broader federal crackdown ordered by President Donald Trump. He recently launched what he called the “single largest mass deportation program in history.” The focus is on Democratic-led cities and includes stepped-up ICE operations inside courthouses.
Reports also suggest that after the arrest, federal agents blocked New York Governor Kathy Hochul from speaking with Lander. This incident highlights deepening tensions between local Democratic leaders and federal immigration authorities.
Many fear that such arrests may scare immigrants from seeking legal support or appearing in court.