Brad Lander, NYC comptroller and mayoral candidate, made headlines on June 17, 2025, when he was arrested outside a federal immigration court in Lower Manhattan. The arrest occurred as Lander was accompanying immigrants leaving court hearings, a move he described as an act of solidarity and protest against aggressive federal immigration enforcement. Lander, who has long advocated for immigrant rights and increased legal protections for New Yorkers, found himself in a chaotic confrontation with masked federal agents. The incident was captured on video, showing Lander demanding to see a judicial warrant for a man being taken away by immigration officials and refusing to release his grip on the detainee’s shoulder until he was handcuffed and led away by agents.
The arrest of Brad Lander, NYC comptroller and mayoral candidate, outside immigration court has sparked intense debate about the balance between federal immigration enforcement and local advocacy for immigrant rights. Lander’s campaign team confirmed the arrest and stated he was charged with obstructing governmental administration. The event unfolded as Lander was observing immigration hearings following President Trump’s recent directive for ICE to focus enforcement efforts on New York City. Lander’s actions reflect a broader movement among activists and city officials to resist policies that many believe undermine due process and the rights of immigrants.
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The Context: Immigration Enforcement and Lander’s Advocacy
Brad Lander has been a vocal critic of recent federal immigration policies, particularly those implemented under the Trump administration. In recent weeks, ICE agents have intensified enforcement at federal immigration courts in New York, detaining individuals immediately after their hearings and, in some cases, before they can access legal representation. This approach has led to widespread fear and confusion among immigrant communities, as many find themselves abruptly separated from their families and facing expedited removal proceedings.
Lander’s presence at these courts is not new. He has repeatedly joined activists and lawyers to accompany immigrants, aiming to deter ICE agents from making arrests and to offer moral support. In early June, Lander was seen walking with immigrants outside 290 Broadway, one of the city’s main immigration court buildings, to shield them from possible detention. Lander has described these courts as “lawless places where people are being denied due process and the right to asylum,” citing cases where public school students were allegedly tricked into agreeing to their own removals.
As comptroller, Lander has also called for significant increases in city funding for immigrant legal services. He has urged the city to invest an additional $170 million annually, bringing total funding to $230 million, to ensure that immigrants have access to robust legal representation. His efforts are rooted in the belief that protecting immigrant New Yorkers is not just a moral imperative but also essential for the city’s economic and social fabric.
The Arrest: What Happened and Why It Matters
On June 17, 2025, Brad Lander, NYC comptroller and mayoral candidate, was arrested outside a federal immigration court in a dramatic scene that quickly went viral. Witnesses and video footage show Lander repeatedly demanding to see a judicial warrant for a man being taken into custody by immigration agents. Lander refused to let go of the detainee’s shoulder, insisting, “You don’t possess the authority to detain U.S. citizens.” His persistence led to instructions from an agent to “take him in,” at which point Lander was handcuffed and escorted away.
The arrest of Brad Lander, NYC comptroller and mayoral candidate, outside immigration court highlights the growing tension between local officials and federal immigration authorities. Lander’s actions were intended to draw attention to what he and many advocates see as abuses of power and violations of due process. The incident has galvanized supporters and opponents alike, with some praising Lander for his courage and others criticizing him for interfering with federal law enforcement.
Lander’s campaign spokesperson described the situation as “still evolving,” emphasizing that the comptroller was there to bear witness and support immigrants facing uncertain futures. The arrest has also put a spotlight on the broader issue of how New York City and its leaders should respond to aggressive federal immigration policies. Lander’s stance stands in contrast to that of Mayor Eric Adams, who has at times cooperated with federal authorities, raising concerns among immigrant advocates about the erosion of sanctuary city protections.
The Broader Impact: Immigrant Rights and City Politics
The arrest of Brad Lander, NYC comptroller and mayoral candidate, outside immigration court is more than just a political headline—it is a reflection of the deep divisions and high stakes in New York City’s ongoing debate over immigration. With federal enforcement ramping up, local leaders are under pressure to choose between cooperation and resistance. Lander’s actions align him with a growing coalition of activists, lawyers, and city officials who believe that protecting immigrant communities is central to the city’s identity and values.
Recent policy changes have left hundreds of thousands of immigrants vulnerable to deportation, including those who had previously been granted lawful status. The termination of programs like the Cuban Haitian Nicaraguan Venezuelan (CHNV) Humanitarian Parole and Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Venezuela has stripped protections from over 850,000 people nationwide, with tens of thousands in New York City alone. These abrupt changes have left many families in legal limbo, facing the threat of separation and economic hardship.
Lander’s advocacy for increased legal services and stronger sanctuary laws is rooted in the belief that New York must remain a welcoming city for all. He has warned that inaction could have devastating consequences, not just for immigrant families but for the city’s economy and social cohesion. As the mayoral race heats up, Lander’s arrest and his continued focus on immigrant rights are likely to remain central issues, shaping the debate over the city’s future direction.
The arrest of Brad Lander, NYC comptroller and mayoral candidate, outside immigration court is a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggle for immigrant rights in New York City. If you care about protecting immigrant communities and ensuring justice for all, now is the time to get involved. Reach out to your local representatives, support organizations that provide legal aid to immigrants, and stay informed about the latest developments in this critical issue. Your voice matters—let’s stand together for a city that welcomes and protects everyone.