New York City Comptroller and mayoral candidate Brad Lander was arrested on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and FBI agents outside the federal immigration court at 26 Federal Plaza. The incident occurred as Lander was escorting a defendant from the courthouse, according to his wife, Meg Barnette.
In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), Barnette described the harrowing scene: "While escorting a defendant out of immigration court, Brad was taken by masked agents and detained by ICE." She noted that the situation was evolving and assured the public that their team was closely monitoring developments.
An online video of the incident captures Lander outside the courtroom when he is approached by officers, many of whom are wearing masks. In the footage, Lander can be heard requesting to see a judicial warrant before he is placed in handcuffs. As of early Tuesday afternoon, Lander remained in custody. Barnette stated during a press conference that he has secured both personal legal representation and assistance from the city’s legal team.
Expressing her emotional turmoil, Barnette said, "I am just very aware of how I feel right now watching Brad being taken away and that it’s going to be okay, and for all of those other families in there, they can’t say that." This incident comes at a critical time, as Lander is actively running in the upcoming Democratic primary for mayor of New York City.
The arrest of Lander echoes a recent incident involving U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), who was handcuffed after being forcibly removed from a press conference held by Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem in Los Angeles. Padilla remarked on the implications of such actions, stating, "If that is what the administration is going to do to a United States senator for having the authority to simply ask a question, imagine what they will do to any American who dares to speak up." His comments raise concerns about the treatment of citizens under the current political climate.
As this story continues to unfold, Lander’s future, especially in the context of the upcoming electoral race, remains uncertain. The public and the media will be watching how this situation evolves, both for Lander himself and for the broader implications it holds for civil liberties and political engagement.
This is a developing story, and further updates will be made as new information comes to light.
Tags: Brad Lander, New York City Comptroller, ICE, FBI, immigration court, political news, mayoral candidate, civil liberties.
Original Source: https://www.cnbc.com/2025/06/17/brad-lander-ice-mayoral-comptroller.html
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Publish Date: 2025-06-17 23:13:00
