New York City's Comptroller, Democrat Brad Lander, was apprehended on Tuesday by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents while he was aiding an immigrant at an immigration court in the city. Lander, who is running for New York City's mayoral race in the upcoming Democratic primary on June 24, was present in the courtroom observing judicial proceedings concerning migrants when the incident unfolded.
According to Dora Pekec, spokesperson for his campaign, "As he was escorting a defendant out of the courthouse, Brad was seized by masked agents and detained by ICE." Videos circulating on social media platform X capture the moment when Lander holds an immigrant by the arm to prevent the arrest, demanding to see a warrant.
Subsequently, two masked agents forcibly separate him from the man, push him against a wall, and escort him handcuffed to an elevator. During the apprehension, the comptroller protested, "You have no authority to detain American citizens. Where are you taking me and under what authority?" Lander was released without charges hours later, although the event has sparked a wave of political and media reactions.
In recent weeks, human rights organizations and lawyers have reported an increase in the number of immigrant detentions at the nation's immigration courts by ICE agents. The presence of these operations in judicial spaces has stirred significant controversy.
Lander's case comes just days after a similar incident in Los Angeles, where Democratic Senator Alex Padilla interrupted a hearing of Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem in protest of the government's immigration policies. The comptroller's arrest revives the debate over the role of immigration authorities in judicial spaces and the protection of rights for both citizens and migrants.
Lander's campaign has not disclosed whether the candidate will pursue legal action, but it has indicated that he will continue to advocate for "the values of an inclusive and fair city."
Key Questions on ICE Detention of Politician
Why was Brad Lander detained by ICE?
Brad Lander was detained by ICE agents while assisting an immigrant at an immigration court, allegedly preventing an arrest and demanding to see a warrant.
What was the outcome of Brad Lander's detention?
Brad Lander was released without any charges hours after his detention, although the incident has prompted significant political and media reactions.
How has the public reacted to the incident?
The incident has sparked a wave of political and media reactions, with human rights organizations and lawyers reporting an increase in ICE detentions at immigration courts.