New Details Emerge in ICE Arrest of NY Democrat Brad Lander

Federal officials have released new details surrounding the brief arrest of New York State Comptroller Brad Lander, a Democratic candidate for NYC mayor, following a confrontation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents on Tuesday.

According to reports, Lander allegedly tried to block the arrest of a suspected undocumented immigrant and was detained after a physical altercation in which he demanded to see a “judicial warrant.” A video shows him gripping ICE agents and shouting, “I will let go when you show me the judicial warrant!”

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez defended Lander’s actions, stating he was within his rights. However, legal experts cited by the Washington Times clarified that ICE typically uses administrative, not judicial, warrants, as immigration violations are civil, not criminal, matters.

Lander was later released without charges, though federal officials say the investigation into his conduct is ongoing.

The incident adds to a growing list of Democrats clashing with ICE. Recently, Sen. Alex Padilla and Rep. LaMonica McIver were also involved in confrontations with federal immigration authorities. McIver faces charges after allegedly shoving agents during a separate incident.

A DHS spokesperson condemned the rise in assaults on ICE officers, emphasizing that “no one is above the law.”

Donna Lieberman of the NYCLU called Lander’s arrest an abuse of power, warning it could have a chilling effect on officials who challenge federal immigration enforcement.

Governor Kathy Hochul joined Lander outside the courthouse and confirmed the charges had been dropped.