Fact Check: Brad Lander arrested by ICE while helping immigrants at court.

Fact Check: Brad Lander Arrested by ICE While Helping Immigrants at Court

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 at an immigration courthouse in Lower Manhattan. Lander was reportedly attempting to escort a migrant, identified as Edgardo, out of the courthouse when the arrest occurred. Videos from the scene show Lander questioning the agents about their authority and demanding to see a judicial warrant for the arrest of the migrant (New York Times, BBC).

According to a spokeswoman for the Department of Homeland Security, Lander was arrested for "assaulting law enforcement and impeding a federal officer," although he was not formally charged at the time of his release (Reuters, CNN). Lander denied these allegations, asserting that he did not expect to be arrested and was simply trying to assist the migrant (AP News).

Analysis

The incident has sparked significant media coverage and public debate, particularly in the context of ongoing tensions surrounding immigration enforcement in the United States. Lander's actions were framed by some as a courageous stand for immigrant rights, while others criticized it as a potential publicity stunt (The City).

The reliability of the sources reporting on this incident varies. Major news outlets like the New York Times, BBC, and CNN have provided detailed accounts based on eyewitness reports and video evidence, lending credibility to their coverage. These sources highlight the chaotic nature of the arrest and the contentious atmosphere surrounding immigration enforcement in New York City (New York Times, CNN).

However, the statements from ICE and the Department of Homeland Security should be approached with caution, as they may reflect a bias in favor of law enforcement narratives. The assertion of a "413 percent increase in assaults" against ICE agents, as mentioned by a Homeland Security spokeswoman, could be seen as an attempt to justify aggressive enforcement tactics (BBC).

Lander's supporters, including prominent Democratic figures, have condemned the arrest as an abuse of power, emphasizing the importance of protecting immigrant rights and due process (Reuters, AP News). This indicates a broader political context in which Lander's actions are being interpreted.

Conclusion

The claim that Brad Lander was arrested by ICE while helping immigrants at court is True. The evidence from multiple credible news sources confirms that Lander was indeed detained by federal agents while attempting to assist a migrant facing arrest. His actions, along with the subsequent political fallout, underscore the contentious nature of immigration enforcement in the current political climate.

Fact Check: Brad Lander arrested by ICE while helping immigrants at court.