Federal immigration officers arrested Brad Lander, New York City comptroller and mayoral candidate, in Manhattan. Agents from US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detained him for allegedly “assaulting” law enforcement and interfering with a federal officer.
The incident took place at a federal immigration court in Lower Manhattan. Lander, a Democrat, was reportedly trying to block federal agents and was charged by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for his actions.
This arrest happened just as US President Donald Trump launched what he called the “single largest mass deportation program in history.” The new policy focuses on strict enforcement in Democratic-controlled areas and targets immigrants even inside courthouses.
What Happened at the Court?
Brad Lander, 55, was at the immigration court to observe proceedings. He was also advocating for immigrant rights and access to legal support.
A video of the incident shows masked ICE agents grabbing him and pulling him away from the immigrant he was accompanying.
Lander tried to reason with the officers, saying, “I’m not obstructing, I’m standing right here in the hallway. I asked to see the judicial warrant.” He added, “You don’t have the authority to arrest US citizens asking for judicial warrants.”
Many of the officers wore surgical masks, and some restrained Lander during the incident.
Hi, this is Meg Barnette, Brad's wife.
— Brad Lander (@bradlander) June 17, 2025
While escorting a defendant out of immigration court at 26 Federal Plaza, Brad was taken by masked agents and detained by ICE.
This is still developing, and our team is monitoring the situation closely. pic.twitter.com/jekaDFjsT1
DHS Defends the Arrest
The Department of Homeland Security confirmed the arrest on social media platform X (formerly Twitter). They said Lander “was arrested for assaulting law enforcement and impeding a federal officer.”
New York City Comptroller Brad Lander was arrested for assaulting law enforcement and impeding a federal officer. Our heroic ICE law enforcement officers face a 413% increase in assaults against them—it is wrong that politicians seeking higher office undermine law enforcement…
— Homeland Security (@DHSgov) June 17, 2025
The agency criticized politicians who interfere with law enforcement. Their statement read, “It is wrong that politicians seeking higher office undermine law enforcement safety to get a viral moment. No one is above the law, and if you lay a hand on a law enforcement officer, you will face consequences.”
Democrats React Strongly
Lander’s arrest caused a strong reaction from fellow Democrats. Several candidates for mayor and city officials condemned the move. They said it was part of a wider pattern of ICE “terrorising individuals nationwide.” Some labeled the act as “thuggery” by the Trump administration.
Reports also claimed that federal agents stopped New York Governor Kathy Hochul from talking to Lander after his arrest. This added to the anger and raised concerns about increasing friction between federal agencies and local Democratic leaders.
Wider Political Impact
The incident comes as tensions grow between President Trump’s administration and Democratic-led states. His aggressive immigration policies have drawn criticism for targeting immigrants in public spaces, including courthouses.
Democrats say such actions could scare immigrants away from seeking justice or legal protection. The arrest of a high-profile official like Lander only adds to that fear and deepens political divides.