Anna Hartz
Brad Lander Arrested by ICE After Supporting Immigrant in Court
In the United States, the debate over immigration has reached a boiling point.
As federal authorities step up deportations, more Americans are stepping in to defend migrants at risk.
The conflict between state and federal powers is becoming more visible—and personal. One recent event in New York City brought it all into focus.
Brad Lander, a Democratic candidate in the race for New York City mayor, was handcuffed and taken away by federal immigration agents at a courthouse, reports Ziare.
No Arrest Warrant?
He had come to support a migrant facing deportation. Lander asked to see the agents’ arrest warrant.
Then he was detained. “You don’t have the authority to arrest an American citizen. I’m not obstructing anyone,” he told the agents.
The moment was captured on video. Some of the officers had their faces covered with masks.
Abuse of Power
New York Attorney General Letitia James called the arrest unacceptable. She said it was an abuse of power.
Lander’s only “crime” was standing by immigrants and defending their rights. ICE, the federal immigration agency, did not respond to media questions right away.
In recent weeks, ICE has increased arrests of undocumented migrants and asylum seekers at courthouse exits.
The Trump administration removed protections that once limited federal access to such locations. This makes it easier for ICE to arrest people after court hearings.
An Authoritarian Message
Across the country, protests are growing. Demonstrators are speaking out against Trump’s aggressive immigration policies.
Marches have taken place in cities like Los Angeles, New York, and even small towns in Wyoming. Organizers say up to five million people took part last weekend.
Lander is currently polling in third place in the Democratic mayoral primary. He has said he supports candidate Zohran Mamdani, who calls himself a socialist.
Mamdani and former Governor Andrew Cuomo both condemned the arrest. They called it part of a dangerous shift toward authoritarianism.
Mamdani urged people to demand Lander’s release. Cuomo said Lander did nothing wrong. He added that the arrest shows why so many families now live in fear of ICE.