Fact Check: "New York comptroller arrested for blocking immigration officers."
What We Know
On June 17, 2025, Brad Lander, the New York City comptroller and a candidate for mayor, was arrested by federal agents from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at an immigration courthouse in Manhattan. Lander was reportedly attempting to escort a migrant who was being sought for arrest by ICE agents. According to reports, Lander linked arms with the migrant and demanded to see a judicial warrant before allowing the agents to take him into custody (New York Times, AP News).
During the incident, Lander was accused of assaulting and impeding law enforcement officers, although he had not been formally charged at the time of his release (Washington Post). Videos from the scene show Lander engaging with the agents, insisting on the need for a warrant, and asserting that he was not obstructing their actions (New York Times). After several hours of detention, Lander was released, and the U.S. attorney's office stated that they were investigating the matter but had not confirmed any charges (AP News).
Analysis
The claim that Brad Lander was arrested for blocking immigration officers is partially true. While it is accurate that Lander was arrested during an attempt to intervene in the arrest of a migrant, the specifics of the situation reveal a more nuanced context. Lander's actions were framed as an effort to protect the migrant, which he described as a demonstration of support rather than obstruction. He repeatedly asked for a judicial warrant, which is not required for ICE arrests in public spaces like immigration courts (New York Times, Washington Post).
The source of the claim, particularly the statements from the Department of Homeland Security, emphasizes that Lander's actions were perceived as obstructive and potentially violent, which they characterized as assault on law enforcement (AP News). However, Lander himself denied any intent to obstruct and claimed he was merely standing his ground to advocate for the migrant (New York Times).
The reliability of the sources reporting on this incident is generally high, with major news outlets like the New York Times, AP News, and the Washington Post providing detailed accounts of the event. However, the framing of Lander's actions varies, with some sources suggesting a political motive behind his intervention, particularly given the timing of the incident just before a mayoral primary (AP News, Washington Post).
Conclusion
The verdict on the claim that "New York comptroller arrested for blocking immigration officers" is Partially True. While Lander was indeed arrested during an attempt to intervene in an ICE operation, the characterization of his actions as "blocking" is contested. Lander's defense emphasizes his role as an advocate for the migrant, rather than an obstructive force against law enforcement. Thus, the claim lacks full accuracy as it simplifies a complex situation involving legal and political dimensions.
