Fact Check: Brad Lander Arrested at Immigration Court While Escorting a Defendant
What We Know
On June 17, 2025, Brad Lander, the New York City Comptroller and a candidate for mayor, was arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents while attempting to escort a defendant out of immigration court. Lander was reportedly detained for "assaulting law enforcement and impeding a federal officer," according to a spokesperson from ICE (Reuters, BBC). Video footage of the incident shows Lander linking arms with the defendant and asking ICE agents for a judicial warrant before they forcibly separated him from the individual (Washington Post).
Lander was held for several hours but was released without any charges being filed against him. After his release, he stated that he did not assault any officer and emphasized the importance of due process for the defendant he was trying to assist (AP News). New York Attorney General Letitia James and other officials criticized the arrest, calling it an abuse of power and an intimidation tactic against public officials advocating for immigrant rights (BBC, Washington Post).
Analysis
The claim that Brad Lander was arrested at immigration court while escorting a defendant is substantiated by multiple credible news sources. Reports from Reuters, AP News, and BBC provide consistent details about the incident, including the context of Lander's actions and the response from ICE.
The sources are reliable, as they are established news organizations with a history of accurate reporting. However, it is important to note the potential for bias in the coverage, particularly from sources that may have a political leaning. For instance, the criticism from New York Attorney General Letitia James and the New York Civil Liberties Union reflects a broader political context surrounding immigration enforcement under the Trump administration, which has been a contentious issue (Washington Post).
Lander's own statements and the video evidence of the incident lend further credibility to the claim. His insistence on the need for a judicial warrant and his assertion that he did not assault any officers are key points that align with the narrative of him acting in defense of the defendant's rights rather than engaging in unlawful behavior.
Conclusion
The claim that Brad Lander was arrested at immigration court while escorting a defendant is True. The incident is well-documented across multiple reputable news sources, and the details provided are consistent. Lander's actions appear to have been motivated by a desire to protect the rights of the individual he was escorting, and the subsequent criticism of ICE's actions by various officials underscores the contentious nature of immigration enforcement in the current political climate.
