New York City Comptroller Brad Lander has been arrested following a physical confrontation with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents at a Manhattan immigration court.
Lander, a Democrat mayoral candidate, was attempting to block the arrest of an illegal alien at the time.
He was promptly arrested for assaulting federal agents who were arresting an illegal alien.
In a statement on X, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said:
“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 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.”
The incident took place at 26 Federal Plaza.
Lander was attending a hearing involving an illegal alien whose deportation case had just been dismissed pending appeal.
As the migrant exited the courtroom, Lander was seen walking alongside him when ICE agents intervened.
Lander campaign spokeswoman Dora Pekec confirmed the arrest in a statement to the Washington Examiner.
“While escorting a defendant out of immigration court at 26 Federal Plaza, Brad was taken by masked agents and detained by ICE,” Pekec said.
“This is still developing, and we are monitoring the situation closely.”
According to footage from the scene, Lander questioned the agents’ authority as they attempted to separate him from the illegal alien who was in federal custody.
“Show me your warrant. Show me your badge,” Lander yelled.
“I will let go if you show me a judicial warrant.
“I would like to see the warrant, and then I will let go.”
Agents then restrained Lander and pushed him against the wall as he was handcuffed.
“You don’t have the authority to arrest U.S. citizens,” Lander said while being held by ICE agents.
“I’m not obstructing, I am standing right here in the hallway. …
“You don’t have the authority to arrest U.S. citizens asking for a judicial warrant.”
Reporters at the courthouse witnessed the incident.
They asked ICE agents for information about where Lander was being taken.
The agents did not respond.
WATCH:
DHS later confirmed that Lander was arrested for assaulting law enforcement.
No one is above the law, and if you lay a hand on a law enforcement officer, you will face consequences.
New York City Comptroller Brad Lander was arrested for assaulting law enforcement and impeding a federal officer. https://t.co/lPo9hsmfhY
— Homeland Security (@DHSgov) June 17, 2025
Lander’s arrest comes just one week before the New York City mayoral primary election.
He is running as a Democrat candidate in a competitive field.
Conveniently, Lander’s stunt will likely give him a publicity boost.
The situation follows a similar stunt last week involving U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-CA).
Padilla was forcibly removed by federal officials after disrupting a press conference held by DHS Secretary Kristi Noem.
You may not have been aware that Senator Padilla is very mild-mannered. pic.twitter.com/XF87rbAlzu
— Western Lensman (@WesternLensman) June 17, 2025
That incident occurred shortly after violent riots broke out in Los Angeles.
The unrest prompted the Trump administration to deploy National Guard and Marine units to restore order in the city.
ICE agents have increased enforcement activity in sanctuary cities, including New York and Los Angeles.
The operations follow directives issued by President Donald Trump.
Recent operations have focused on locating and detaining individuals with active deportation orders or unresolved immigration cases.
Tuesday’s incident has prompted reactions from political observers as Lander’s campaign enters its final stretch before the primary.
The status of the illegal alien involved in the case remains unknown.
Court officials have not released details about the hearing or the individual’s legal proceedings.
