Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has dropped a bombshell after announcing that it had detained a prominent mayoral candidate.
Specifically, NYC Comptroller Brad Lander has been arrested by ICE agents for assaulting a federal officer while interfering with immigration enforcement.
The progressive Democrat was taken into custody after attempting to shield an illegal alien from deportation at a courthouse.
This arrest marks a significant escalation in President Donald Trump’s crackdown on sanctuary city officials who obstruct federal immigration enforcement.
Video footage shows the comptroller questioning ICE agents about whether they had a judicial warrant before the situation escalated.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has charged Lander with “assaulting law enforcement and impeding a federal officer.”
DHS officials made it clear that Lander’s political position would not shield him from consequences for interfering with federal immigration enforcement.
DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said:
“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 has sparked outrage from New York’s liberal establishment. Lander’s wife, Meg Barnette, held a press conference with city officials demanding his release, calling the situation “extraordinarily upsetting.”
Public Advocate Jumaane Williams went even further, comparing immigration enforcement to kidnapping and claiming, “They are kidnapping our neighbors off the streets.”
Governor Kathy Hochul reportedly called the arrest “bulls***,” while Democratic mayoral candidates rushed to condemn ICE for enforcing federal immigration law.
Protesters quickly gathered outside the NYC federal court building to demand Lander’s release.
As comptroller, Lander has a history of advocating for police reform and opposing immigration enforcement.
He was accompanying illegal aliens to observe hearings and help shield them from ICE detention when the incident occurred.
Video shows Lander telling ICE agents, “You don’t have authority to arrest US citizens,” moments before his detention.
The arrest comes as part of President Trump’s broader immigration crackdown, which has ramped up enforcement actions nationwide.
ICE officials emphasized that no one is above the law, including elected officials who interfere with federal agents doing their jobs.
New York Attorney General Letitia James condemned the arrest, saying:
“This is profoundly unacceptable. Arresting Comptroller Lander for the simple act of standing up for immigrants and their civil rights is a shocking abuse of power. No one should face fear and intimidation in a courthouse, and this is a grotesque escalation of tensions. The administration’s rampant targeting of New Yorkers only makes our communities less safe.”
