Fact Check: Public Advocate calls Lander's arrest 'immoral' and likens it to kidnapping.

Fact Check: Public Advocate Calls Lander's Arrest 'Immoral' and Likens It to Kidnapping

What We Know

On a recent occasion, New York City Comptroller Brad Lander was arrested by federal agents while attempting to escort a defendant from immigration court. This incident occurred at 26 Federal Plaza in Manhattan, where Lander was advocating for immigrants facing deportation. After his release, Lander expressed concerns about the treatment of immigrants and the implications of his arrest, stating, "the rule of law is not fine, and our constitutional democracy is not fine" (source).

Public Advocate Jumaane Williams publicly condemned Lander's arrest, calling it "immoral" and likening the actions of federal agents to "kidnapping." He criticized the tactics used by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), stating, "We should not just abide by immoral orders from an immoral president. They are kidnapping our neighbors off of the street" (source). Williams emphasized the deceptive nature of the arrests, suggesting that individuals are misled into thinking they are safe when they are not.

Analysis

The claim that Public Advocate Jumaane Williams referred to Lander's arrest as "immoral" and likened it to kidnapping is substantiated by direct quotes from Williams during a press conference following the incident. His remarks highlight a broader critique of ICE's practices under the Trump administration, which he argues are unjust and inhumane. The context of Lander's arrest, which involved federal agents forcibly separating him from an individual he was assisting, adds weight to Williams' characterization of the event as akin to kidnapping (source).

The reliability of the source reporting on this incident, Hell Gate, is notable for its focus on local political issues and immigrant rights, suggesting a commitment to covering the nuances of such events. However, it is essential to recognize that the framing of the situation may reflect the publication's editorial stance on immigration and law enforcement practices. While the report provides a detailed account of the events and includes multiple perspectives, including statements from Lander and other political figures, it is crucial to consider the potential for bias in the interpretation of the actions of federal agents (source).

Conclusion

The claim that Public Advocate Jumaane Williams called Lander's arrest "immoral" and likened it to kidnapping is True. This assertion is supported by direct quotes from Williams, who articulated his condemnation of the arrest and the broader implications of ICE's actions. The context of Lander's advocacy for immigrant rights further reinforces the validity of Williams' statements.