NYC Comptroller Brad Lander Arrested by Masked ICE Agents During Immigration Court Protest in Manhattan
New York City Comptroller Brad Lander was arrested by masked federal agents on Monday morning while attending an immigration hearing at 26 Federal Plaza in Lower Manhattan, sparking outrage from local officials and immigrant rights advocates.
Lander, a Democratic mayoral candidate and the city’s chief financial officer, was on site to observe deportation proceedings and support immigrants facing removal. According to eyewitnesses, including reporters from amNewYork, Lander and his team linked arms with an immigrant whose deportation case had just been dismissed pending appeal—when masked federal agents from ICE, the FBI, and the Treasury Department intervened.
As the agents moved in to detain the individual, Lander attempted to prevent the arrest by asking to see proper legal documentation. “Show me your warrant. Show me your badge,” Lander said repeatedly, demanding a judicial warrant before allowing the agents to proceed.
Seconds later, one of the agents reportedly ordered, “Take him in.” Lander was then forcibly removed, shoved against a wall, and handcuffed by the officers.
“You don’t have the authority to arrest U.S. citizens,” Lander protested as he was detained. “I’m not obstructing. I’m standing right here in the hallway asking for a judicial warrant.”
Unclear Charges and Political Fallout
At this time, the exact charges against Lander remain unclear. According to his spokesperson, Dora Pekec, Lander was taken by ICE agents and may be released on a summons. “This is still developing, and we are monitoring the situation closely,” she stated.
Lander’s wife, Meg Barnette, addressed the incident and emphasized the broader human cost of immigration enforcement: “I know in all likelihood, he’s going to be OK… But the others in that building are risking having their families torn apart. It’s an abomination.”
Fellow Officials Condemn Arrest as Authoritarian Overreach
Several local leaders and candidates quickly condemned Lander’s arrest, calling it a threat to civil liberties and democratic norms.
Brooklyn City Council Member Justin Brannan, a candidate for city comptroller, wrote:
“Trump’s ICE cowboy gestapo isn’t about public safety — it’s about authoritarianism. It shreds the rule of law and targets people based on fear and hate.”
Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine, also running to succeed Lander, added:
“Masked ICE agents just violently arrested a U.S. citizen — and elected official — for simply asking to see a judicial warrant. This is authoritarianism. Comptroller Lander must be released immediately.”
Context: Lander’s Mayoral Run and Early Voting
Lander, who declined to seek reelection as comptroller, is currently one of nine Democrats running for NYC mayor in the June 24 primary. Early voting has already begun, and this incident may play a significant role in shaping the political conversation in the days ahead.
This is a developing story. Check amNY.com for further updates.
