NYC Comptroller and Democrat mayoral candidate Brad Lander has landed himself in hot water after getting arrested for assaulting a federal officer.
Watch the video down below.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents apprehended the progressive politician for escorting an illegal alien out of immigration court.
The move triggered outrage from liberal officials but praise from law enforcement supporting President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown.
According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), ICE agents took Lander into custody because of his efforts to shield illegal aliens from detention and deportation.
Video footage of the incident shows Lander questioning ICE agents about their judicial warrant before the situation escalated.
As per the DHS, Lander was arrested for “assaulting law enforcement and impeding a federal officer,” serious charges that carry significant penalties.
The arrest is part of President Trump’s broader immigration enforcement strategy, which has led to increased ICE operations nationwide.
Federal authorities have been ramping up deportations of illegal aliens following the president’s return to office, fulfilling campaign promises to secure America’s borders and restore law and order.
A DHS spokesperson stated:
“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.”
Lander’s wife, Meg Barnette, and several city officials held a press conference demanding his release.
The Democrat comptroller, who announced his mayoral candidacy last year, has built his political career on progressive policies.
These include police reform and advocating for illegal aliens, which often put him at odds with federal immigration enforcement.
As comptroller, Lander’s official duties include reviewing city agency performance, overseeing contracts, and managing public pension funds, not interfering with federal law enforcement operations.
His arrest raises questions about elected officials who obstruct immigration enforcement while seeking higher office.
Liberal officials rushed to Lander’s defense. New York Attorney General Letitia James, Governor Kathy Hochul, and former Governor Andrew Cuomo all condemned the arrest.
Public Advocate Jumaane Williams even claimed ICE was “kidnapping our neighbors off the streets.”
The incident highlights the ongoing conflict between sanctuary cities like New York and federal immigration authorities.
While local Democrats continue obstructing enforcement efforts, ICE has made clear that interfering with their operations will not be tolerated.
The DHS emphasized that the significant increase in assaults against ICE officers requires a firm response to anyone who physically interferes with their lawful duties.
Hi, this is Meg Barnette, Brad's wife.
While escorting a defendant out of immigration court at 26 Federal Plaza, Brad was taken by masked agents and detained by ICE.
This is still developing, and our team is monitoring the situation closely. pic.twitter.com/jekaDFjsT1
— Brad Lander (@bradlander) June 17, 2025
