Brad Lander’s Brush with Immigration Enforcement: A Political Spectacle
New York City mayoral hopeful and City Comptroller Brad Lander addressed the media mere hours after his release from federal custody, following a rather theatrical incident at an immigration court in Manhattan.
As previously reported by , Lander stirred up quite the commotion on Tuesday at Federal Plaza when he attempted to intervene in the removal of an individual by immigration officials, demanding to see a warrant while placing his hands on the person in question.
ICE officials were not amused, promptly charging Lander with obstructing governmental administration, as noted by The Post here. However, in a twist befitting a soap opera, New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced that the charge had been dropped. Upon his release, Lander rushed to the cameras to spin a narrative that seemed at odds with the video evidence.
Supported by a cadre of progressive politicians, including Hochul, Lander proceeded to insult the intelligence of onlookers. “When we went back upstairs, we had these next two cases…We just tried to walk out of the building,” he declared. “I think you saw the video. All I tried to do was just hold Edgardo’s (the migrant’s name) arm and ask the ICE agents, ‘Do you have a warrant?’”
“And they would not show me the warrant…And you saw what happened,” he added, clearly believing that reality could be reshaped by mere assertion.
NEW—Brad Lander speaks to the press after being released from federal custody:
“We just tried to walk out of the building. I think you saw the video. All I tried to do was just hold [his] arm and ask the ICE agents, ‘do you have a warrant?’”
“You saw what happened.” pic.twitter.com/m7K8aqwCgZ
— Townhall.com (@townhallcom) June 17, 2025
In a move that would make even the most seasoned stage actor raise an eyebrow, Lander went on to liken his actions to a noble biblical figure, stating, “I just engaged in that accompaniment, of trying to bear witness, of trying to walk peacefully with someone.” Such a performance surely deserves a standing ovation for its sheer audacity!
WATCH:
NEW — Mayoral candidate Brad Lander says he “just engaged in that tradition of accompaniment, of trying to bear witness, of trying to walk peacefully with someone.” pic.twitter.com/h3npQdK5Qx
— Townhall.com (@townhallcom) June 17, 2025
As evidenced in the video, Lander maintained an iron grip on the migrant’s shoulder, blatantly obstructing ICE’s legal proceedings. When the officers acted to remove him from the situation, Lander’s reaction was one of incredulousness, insisting, “You don’t have the authority to arrest US citizens,” as he was being cuffed.
Comptroller Brad Lander arrested at immigration court just now.
Video from his office: pic.twitter.com/zY4hxS32El
— Josie Stratman (@JosieStratman) June 17, 2025
