For interfering with immigration enforcement in the worst possible way, NYC mayoral candidate Brad Lander was arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents
Specifically, the progressive Democrat was taken into custody after assaulting a federal officer.
Lander physically obstructed agents who were attempting to detain an illegal alien following a court hearing.
The incident highlights the growing tension between law enforcement and liberal politicians who actively undermine federal immigration laws.
The incident occurred as Lander was accompanying a defendant out of immigration court, part of what critics call his pattern of deliberately interfering with federal immigration enforcement.
Video footage shows Lander questioning ICE agents about a judicial warrant during the confrontation.
When agents attempted to detain an individual present at the proceedings, Lander reportedly physically intervened, leading to the assault charge.
This interference with federal officers performing their lawful duties represents a growing trend of liberal politicians placing themselves between immigration authorities and those facing deportation.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) defended the arrest, pointing to the dangerous environment ICE officers increasingly face.
“Our heroic ICE law enforcement officers face a 413% increase in assaults against them—it is wrong that politicians seeking higher office undermine law enforcement safety to get a viral moment,” said DHS spokesperson Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin.
“No one is above the law, and if you lay a hand on a law enforcement officer, you will face consequences,” she added..
Lander’s arrest is part of President Donald Trump’s broader immigration enforcement crackdown, which has seen renewed efforts to detain and deport illegal immigrants nationwide.
The arrest demonstrates the administration’s commitment to enforcing immigration laws even when facing obstruction from local officials in sanctuary cities like New York.
While liberal politicians and activists have rushed to condemn the arrest, ICE maintains that Lander directly interfered with agents performing their lawful duties.
Lander was reportedly part of a group that regularly accompanies immigrants to court hearings in an attempt to shield them from federal immigration authorities.
“You don’t have authority to arrest US citizens,” Lander reportedly told ICE agents during the confrontation.
In fact, federal agents have clear legal authority to arrest any individual who assaults an officer or impedes federal law enforcement operations, regardless of citizenship status.
Lander’s progressive allies have rallied to his defense. New York Attorney General Letitia James called the arrest “a shocking abuse of power.”
Meanwhile, New York Civil Liberties Union Executive Director Donna Lieberman claimed it showed “a wanton disregard for the will of the people of New York.”
Governor Kathy Hochul went so far as to call the arrest “bulls***,” while Public Advocate Jumaane Williams characterized lawful immigration enforcement as “kidnapping our neighbors off the streets.”
Lander remains in custody with legal representation from both personal counsel and city attorneys.
