Fact Check: Brad was obstructing federal agents.

Fact Check: "Brad was obstructing federal agents."

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 building when he was detained. According to a spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security, Lander was arrested for "assaulting law enforcement and impeding a federal officer" (source-1). Videos of the incident show Lander questioning the agents about their authority and demanding to see a judicial warrant for the arrest of the migrant (source-2).

Lander's actions were characterized by him as an attempt to protect the rights of the migrant, asserting that he was not obstructing but merely standing in the hallway (source-3). He stated, “You don’t have authority to arrest U.S. citizens,” and repeatedly asked for a warrant (source-1). The incident occurred amid heightened tensions surrounding immigration enforcement under the Trump administration, which has seen a significant increase in ICE operations (source-2).

Analysis

The claim that Lander was obstructing federal agents is supported by the statements from ICE and the Department of Homeland Security, which assert that he impeded their operations during the arrest of the migrant (source-1). However, Lander and his supporters argue that he was exercising his rights and advocating for the migrant's due process, which complicates the narrative of obstruction (source-3).

The reliability of the sources reporting on the incident varies. Major news outlets like The New York Times and BBC provide detailed accounts of the event, including video evidence and eyewitness reports, which lend credibility to their coverage (source-1, source-2). However, the framing of the incident can differ significantly based on the outlet's political leanings. For instance, conservative outlets may emphasize Lander's alleged obstruction more than liberal ones, which might focus on his advocacy for immigrant rights (source-5, source-7).

Moreover, while ICE claims that Lander's actions contributed to a dangerous environment for law enforcement, critics argue that the arrest itself represents an abuse of power and a chilling effect on public officials advocating for immigrants (source-2, source-4). This dichotomy illustrates the contentious nature of immigration enforcement in the U.S. and the varying interpretations of Lander's actions.

Conclusion

The claim that "Brad was obstructing federal agents" is Partially True. While federal authorities assert that Lander's actions constituted obstruction, Lander and his supporters argue that he was acting within his rights to advocate for a migrant's due process. The incident reflects broader tensions surrounding immigration enforcement and the role of public officials in such contexts. Thus, while there is evidence to support the claim of obstruction, it is essential to consider the context and motivations behind Lander's actions.

Fact Check: Brad was obstructing federal agents.