New York City Comptroller and mayoral candidate Brad Lander was arrested Tuesday at 26 Federal Plaza, Manhattan, by ICE agents, charged with assaulting a federal officer and impeding operations.
The incident occurred while Lander escorted a defendant from immigration court, demanding to see a judicial warrant.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) condemned the act, citing a 413% increase in assaults on ICE officers since 2020, blaming politicians seeking viral moments. “No one is above the law,” DHS stated, echoing Lander’s own May 2024 tweet.
The arrest sparked protests outside the plaza, with supporters labeling it fascism, while others defended ICE’s actions.
Immigration lawyers note warrants aren’t required in public court spaces. Governor Kathy Hochul called the arrest “bullshit,” questioning broader implications.
Lander’s team and wife, Meg Barnette, are monitoring developments, as the incident fuels debate over immigration enforcement and political accountability ahead of the mayoral primary.
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