Fact Check: "New York City comptroller Brad Lander was arrested by ICE agents."
What We Know
On June 17, 2025, New York City Comptroller and Democratic mayoral candidate Brad Lander was arrested by federal agents from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at an immigration court in Manhattan. This incident occurred when Lander attempted to escort a man, identified as Edgardo, out of the courtroom while demanding that the agents show a judicial warrant for the man's detention. Lander's actions led to a physical confrontation with ICE agents, who subsequently arrested him for "assaulting law enforcement and impeding a federal officer" (AP News, New York Times, BBC).
Lander was released a few hours later, and he stated that he "certainly did not" assault any officer. He emphasized that he was merely trying to assist the man facing deportation, who he claimed was being stripped of his due process rights (USA Today, NBC News).
Analysis
The claim that Brad Lander was arrested by ICE agents is supported by multiple reputable sources, including the Associated Press, The New York Times, and BBC News. Each of these outlets provides consistent details about the incident, including Lander's actions leading to his arrest and the context surrounding it. The incident has been characterized as part of a broader pattern of confrontations between federal immigration authorities and politicians opposing the Trump administration's immigration policies (AP News, New York Times).
The credibility of these sources is high, as they are established news organizations known for their journalistic integrity. However, it is important to note that the incident has sparked political controversy, with various reactions from other political figures. For instance, New York Attorney General Letitia James described Lander's arrest as "profoundly unacceptable," framing it as an abuse of power (USA Today). This indicates that while the factual basis of the arrest is clear, the political implications and interpretations of the event may vary widely.
Conclusion
The claim that New York City Comptroller Brad Lander was arrested by ICE agents is True. The incident is well-documented by multiple reliable news sources, and the details surrounding the arrest align consistently across these reports. Lander's actions, which were intended to support an immigrant facing detention, led to his arrest, highlighting the contentious climate surrounding immigration enforcement in the United States.
Sources
- NYC mayoral candidate Brad Lander arrested at immigration court
- Brad Lander Is Arrested by ICE Agents at ... - The New York Times
- NYC mayoral candidate Brad Lander arrested by ICE
- Federal agents arrest NYC mayoral candidate at immigration court
- New York City Comptroller Brad Lander released after his arrest at an ...
- Brad Lander Detained by Masked Federal Agents and Accused of Assault ...
