New York City Comptroller Brad Lander, a Democratic candidate running for mayor, was arrested by ICE agents on Tuesday during a tense confrontation at an immigration court in Lower Manhattan.
According to eyewitness reports and video posted by Politico’s Jeff Coltin, Lander was cuffed and detained inside 26 Federal Plaza after confronting agents who were attempting to detain immigrants following a hearing.
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Protest Turns Into Arrest
The incident unfolded when Lander and his team attended immigration hearings to show support for individuals facing deportation. The city’s chief financial watchdog reportedly linked arms with an immigrant whose case had just been dismissed pending appeal, only to witness a group of masked federal agents—from ICE, the FBI, and the Treasury Department—move in to make an arrest.
As agents closed in, Lander shouted:
“Show me your warrant! Show me your badge!”
He was then taken into custody.
Political Context
Lander, a progressive Democrat and vocal critic of aggressive immigration enforcement, is challenging Mayor Eric Adams in the upcoming mayoral race. His arrest immediately drew national attention, sparking debate over immigration policy and the conduct of federal agents inside court buildings.
Mayor Adams, also a Democrat, has taken a more centrist stance on immigration, and has expressed support for ICE cooperation—a position that has drawn criticism from progressives like Lander.
Adams, who previously faced a federal corruption probe, had those charges dropped by the Department of Justice in April.
Where Things Stand
As of the latest reports, Lander was still being held at the federal building at 26 Federal Plaza, according to his press secretary. It remains unclear whether formal charges will be filed.
The incident raises serious questions about civil liberties, transparency in immigration enforcement, and the role of elected officials in protest actions—especially as Lander ramps up his campaign against the incumbent.
Stay tuned for updates as the story develops.
