Detained for numerous hours by ICE, Brad Lander has been freed from custody
Brad Lander, a Democratic mayoral candidate and current New York City Comptroller, was arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and FBI agents on June 17, 2025, inside the federal immigration court at 26 Federal Plaza in Manhattan. The arrest occurred after Lander linked arms with an immigrant subject to detention by ICE, intending to "accompany" him out of the courthouse.
According to a statement from ICE Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin, Lander was arrested for "assaulting a law enforcement officer and impeding a federal officer." However, video footage shows Lander demanding to see a judicial warrant as ICE agents sought to take the immigrant into custody, but no clear assault was observed. Despite the initial accusations, Lander was released without charges hours later, with Governor Kathy Hochul announcing that there would be no charges against him.
The arrest generated significant backlash, with public officials, including Governor Hochul, intervening. Rabbi Barat Ellman, who witnessed the incident, stated that he saw Lander being detained while attempting to accompany a defendant out of immigration court. Lander's actions drew outcry from several New York City mayoral candidates, with his wife also criticizing the treatment he received.
Following his release, Lander returned to observe immigration court proceedings at the same federal building on June 20, 2025, to continue advocating for immigrants facing ICE detention and deportation. During these court observations, he was joined by other local officials supportive of immigrant rights.
Regarding the subsequent investigation, the U.S. Department of Justice for the Southern District of New York has remained publicly silent about whether any charges will be filed against Lander. The U.S. Attorney's office for the Southern District of New York is currently investigating the incident.
In summary:
- Arrest date: June 17, 2025 - Location: Immigration court, 26 Federal Plaza, Manhattan, NY - Reason for arrest: Allegedly assaulted ICE officer and impeded federal officer; resisted ICE detention of an immigrant - Evidence: Video footage showing Lander demanding judicial warrant and resisting separation; no clear assault observed - Outcome: Released without charges hours later; charges dropped by DHS - DOJ/Southern District of NY Investigation: DOJ has not commented publicly on possible charges or investigation status - Post-arrest actions: Lander returned to immigration court to observe hearings and advocate for immigrants - Public and political reaction: Significant backlash and intervention by Gov. Hochul; statements by Lander's wife criticizing the treatment
This summarizes the key details on Brad Lander's arrest, release, and ongoing uncertain legal developments arising from the June 2025 incident with ICE.
In the aftermath of his release, Brad Lander continued to voice his concerns about immigration issues by observing court proceedings at the 26 Federal Plaza in Manhattan, often accompanied by other local advocates for immigrant rights. However, the U.S. Department of Justice for the Southern District of New York still has not commented publicly on whether any charges will be filed against Lander, following his arrest in relation to war-and-conflicts, politics, and crime-and-justice issues in June 2025.
