Brad Lander detained by masked federal agents inside immigration court
a year ago
- #due process
- #immigration
- #political activism
- New York City Comptroller Brad Lander was detained by masked federal agents while escorting a man from an immigration court appearance.
- Lander was held for over four hours before being released without charges after intervention by Governor Kathy Hochul.
- Lander criticized the detention of the man he was escorting, Edgardo, who was taken to an ICE facility, highlighting the lack of due process.
- The incident occurred during Lander's third visit to observe federal immigration hearings, a practice he started after agents began targeting immigrants at routine court appearances.
- Lander was arrested for allegedly assaulting law enforcement and impeding a federal officer, though video evidence did not show him assaulting anyone.
- The arrest sparked outrage, with many elected officials and mayoral candidates calling for his release.
- Governor Hochul intervened, spending an hour negotiating with ICE agents before Lander was released.
- Mayor Eric Adams' office downplayed the incident, focusing instead on ensuring all New Yorkers feel safe using public resources.
- Lander denied the arrest was a political stunt, stating his goal was to protect immigrants and uphold the rule of law.
- The incident is part of a broader pattern of Trump administration crackdowns on elected officials advocating for immigrant rights.