New York City comptroller and mayoral candidate Brad Lander arrested by immigration officers inside Manhattan court

Brad Lander, the New York City comptroller and a candidate for mayor, was arrested by federal immigration officers on Tuesday while he was inside a Manhattan immigration court. This incident occurred as Lander attempted to intervene during the arrest of another individual. Videos circulating on social media show Lander being handcuffed after he positioned himself against a wall, blocking the officers' path. During the altercation, Lander reportedly engaged in a brief struggle with the officers, during which he was placed in a chokehold. He can be heard on video questioning the officers about their authority, specifically asking for a judicial warrant to justify the arrest, stating, "You don’t have a judicial warrant," while holding onto the man’s arm he was trying to protect. This confrontation highlights the tension surrounding immigration enforcement actions in courtrooms, which have reportedly escalated in recent weeks across the country.

Lander's campaign quickly responded to the incident, asserting that he was taken by masked agents from ICE while escorting a defendant out of the court. Dora Pekec, Lander's campaign spokesperson, indicated that they are closely monitoring the situation as it develops. The timing of Lander's arrest was particularly notable since he was scheduled to hold a press conference later that day, advocating for increased legal funding for immigrants facing potential arrests by ICE after court appearances. The incident raises questions about the legality and appropriateness of immigration enforcement actions in courthouses, an issue that has garnered growing attention as more reports emerge about such practices. Lander's situation has drawn significant media coverage, and further updates from his campaign and relevant authorities are expected as the story unfolds.