Brad Lander, Immigrant Arrested by Masked ICE Agents

New York City Comptroller and mayoral candidate Brad Lander was arrested by masked ICE agents at a Manhattan immigration court while accompanying an immigrant named Edgardo and demanding a judicial warrant before both were detained. Lander’s arrest, which was captured on video, prompted immediate outrage from political leaders, including Governor Kathy Hochul, who criticized the incident and confirmed that charges against Lander were dropped after his release. The Department of Homeland Security accused Lander of assault and impeding a federal officer, claims that Lander and his supporters disputed, asserting he was advocating for due process. The incident drew attention to aggressive ICE tactics, including reports of agents detaining individuals after mandatory hearings, often without legal counsel. Congressional oversight visits to the courthouse followed, highlighting concerns about immigrants’ rights and the treatment of public officials intervening on their behalf. The episode has intensified scrutiny of immigration enforcement practices in New York and their political and legal ramifications.