Brad Lander arrested at immigration court while supporting migrants

In the United States, specifically in New York City, Brad Lander, the current comptroller and a candidate in the Democratic mayoral primary, was arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents on June 17, 2025. His arrest occurred at an immigration court in Manhattan, where he had been present to support migrants and observe their hearings. The incident coincided with the early voting period for the upcoming mayoral election as Lander sought to increase his visibility and advocate for immigrant rights. On the day of his arrest, Lander was seen linking arms with an individual who was about to be detained by ICE agents. Witnesses reported that he attempted to assert the rights of U.S. citizens by demanding to see a judicial warrant for the arrest. Lander's defiance led to his confrontation with law enforcement as he insisted that ICE did not have the authority to arrest him. This confrontation escalated to an arrest, resulting in charges of assaulting law enforcement and obstructing a federal officer against Lander, which sparked outrage among many public officials and community members. Lander's wife, Meg Barnette, was present during the arrest and later held a press conference condemning the actions of the ICE agents. She expressed her shock at the treatment and legality of the officers' conduct, emphasizing the importance of due process and the rule of law in everyday life. Other candidates in the mayoral race, as well as prominent political figures, voiced their support for Lander, framing the incident as an alarming indication of the oppressive tactics employed by ICE under the previous administration. Many took to the media to criticize the unlawful nature of the arrest, highlighting how such actions create fear among immigrant families and communities. They condemned not only the behavior of ICE agents but also the broader implications of enforcing harsh immigration policies, calling attention to the need for reform and protection of civil rights for all individuals, irrespective of their immigration status. Lander's subsequent release from custody saw the charges against him eventually dropped, but the arrest has raised significant awareness on immigration issues in New York City, coinciding with a critical moment in the race for mayor as it prompted discussions around what policies are best for a city with a large immigrant population.