Fact Check: "Lander claims 'the rule of law is not fine' after his arrest"
What We Know
On June 17, 2025, Brad Lander, New York City's comptroller and a candidate for mayor, was arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents while escorting a defendant out of immigration court. Lander was reportedly detained for allegedly "assaulting law enforcement and impeding a federal officer," a claim he denied, stating he "certainly did not" assault anyone (Reuters, BBC). After his release, Lander addressed the media, expressing his concerns about the state of the rule of law, saying, "I will be fine, but Edgardo is not going to be fine, and the rule of law is not fine, and our constitutional democracy is not fine" (BBC, NBC News). This statement directly reflects his concern for the individual he was assisting, as well as a broader critique of the current legal and political climate regarding immigration enforcement.
Analysis
Lander's statement about the rule of law not being fine is grounded in his experience during the arrest, which he characterized as an abuse of power by ICE. He emphasized the implications of such actions on due process rights, particularly for immigrants facing deportation (BBC). The context of his arrest, amidst a crackdown on immigration under the Trump administration, adds weight to his assertion. The New York Attorney General, Letitia James, and the New York Civil Liberties Union have both condemned the arrest, framing it as a dangerous precedent that undermines civil rights and the rule of law (BBC, NBC News).
The reliability of the sources reporting on this incident is high, as they include reputable news organizations like Reuters, BBC, and NBC News, which have a track record of journalistic integrity. The statements from Lander and the responses from legal authorities provide a comprehensive view of the situation, supporting the claim that Lander's comments were made in a legitimate context of concern for civil rights and legal processes.
Conclusion
The claim that Lander stated "the rule of law is not fine" after his arrest is True. His comments were made in direct response to his experience with ICE and reflect his broader concerns about the treatment of individuals in the immigration system and the implications for democracy and civil rights.
