New York City Comptroller and Democratic mayoral candidate Brad Lander was released from federal custody on Tuesday afternoon, just hours after being detained by immigration officers inside a Manhattan courthouse.
Lander’s detention marks the latest high-profile political clash related to immigration enforcement, particularly among Democratic leaders pushing back against what they describe as increasingly aggressive tactics by federal agents.
Arrest at the Courthouse
Lander, a longtime elected official and prominent progressive voice in New York City politics, had been closely monitoring immigration court activity in recent days amid growing concerns that migrants were being arrested by federal agents immediately after attending court appointments. On Tuesday, while accompanying a migrant out of the courtroom, Lander was detained by ICE officers—a moment captured on several videos from inside the courthouse.
As ICE officers approach, he repeatedly asks to see a judicial warrant, insisting, “You don’t have the authority to arrest U.S. citizens. I’m not obstructing.” The situation escalated when officers pushed Lander against a wall, placed him in handcuffs, and escorted him away.
Release and Response
Lander was held for nearly four hours before being released from the ICE field office at Federal Plaza. He exited the building accompanied by his wife and New York Governor Kathy Hochul, who had arrived in support along with a crowd of backers and several fellow mayoral candidates.
I’m grateful that no charges are being filed. I’m not worried about my due process rights.” He also stressed that the real concern lies with the migrants being detained post-hearing, often without legal representation or understanding of their rights.
Lander claimed that prior to his arrest, he had walked four families safely out of immigration court in similar situations. “Even though their cases were dismissed and they were technically subject to expedited removal, they were able to walk free—back to their kids and their families—to figure out what’s next.”
DHS and Federal Response
Politicians seeking viral moments to boost campaigns must not undermine law enforcement. No one is above the law.”
Federal statutes prohibit assaulting law enforcement officers, interfering with official proceedings, and damaging federal property. However, no charges had been filed against Lander as of Tuesday evening.
Political Reactions
Governor Hochul, who was inside the courthouse when Lander was detained, reacted angrily to news of his arrest. “This is bulls**t,” she said. This is New York—the land of immigrants. We’re proud of them.”
State Attorney General Letitia James, a key ally of Lander and a supporter of his mayoral campaign, also came to his defense. Speaking to CNN, James stated, “He did not assault any officers. Brad was simply doing what he has done before—escorting an individual after court. This wasn’t some performative act for media attention.”
She also criticized ICE enforcement tactics, suggesting that recent arrests are driven by pressure to meet quotas. “This isn’t about safety. It’s about optics and intimidation,” James added.
Lander Denies Political Motivation
Lander, who is running in a crowded Democratic primary set to take place next week, denied suggestions that his actions were politically motivated or a publicity stunt.
“I did not come today expecting to be arrested,” he told reporters. “This was not orchestrated. I was simply doing what I believed was right—standing with someone at risk of unjust detention.”
Lander emphasized that the true injustice is the quiet removal of migrants following court hearings, often without any chance to prepare for detention or deportation.
Broader Context
Lander’s arrest is the latest in a string of incidents involving Democratic politicians challenging federal immigration enforcement. Just last month, Rep. LaMonica McIver was charged with assault during a protest outside an ICE detention center in New Jersey. Newark Mayor Ras Baraka was also arrested during that protest but later had charges dropped.
The events are seen as part of a broader conflict between the Biden administration’s immigration enforcement policies and progressive leaders who argue that even under Democratic leadership, ICE tactics remain aggressive and often inhumane.
With Lander’s arrest drawing national headlines, attention is again focused on the treatment of undocumented immigrants in U.S. cities and the risks elected officials are willing to take to challenge the status quo.
As Lander resumes campaigning ahead of the Democratic primary, his arrest may serve as a rallying point for supporters advocating for immigration reform and stronger protections for migrants navigating the court system.