In a stunning escalation of federal immigration enforcement tactics, New York City Comptroller and mayoral candidate Brad Lander was detained Tuesday morning inside 26 Federal Plaza by masked agents from multiple federal agencies — including ICE and the FBI — after attempting to escort a man out of immigration court.
The dramatic moment unfolded just after noon on the 12th floor of the Lower Manhattan courthouse. According to eyewitnesses and campaign staff, Lander had linked arms with the migrant man he was accompanying when federal agents surged forward. As the agents tried to seize the man, Lander stood his ground, repeatedly demanding they show a judicial warrant.
“You do not have the authority to arrest U.S. citizens,” Lander said firmly, moments before agents placed him in handcuffs and led him into an elevator. One of Lander’s NYPD security detail was allowed to accompany him, but ICE and other agencies remained silent on whether he faced any official charges.
Lander, who has made immigrant protection a hallmark of his campaign, had been visiting the immigration court for the third time in recent weeks. His stated mission: to stand in solidarity with those attending immigration proceedings and to “bear witness” to what he describes as unconstitutional detentions occurring just steps outside courtrooms.
“While escorting a defendant out of immigration court at 26 Federal Plaza, Brad was taken by masked agents and detained by ICE,” said Dora Pekec, a spokesperson for Lander’s campaign. “This is still developing and we are monitoring the situation closely.”
A reporter from The City overheard one agent ask another: “Do you want to arrest the Comptroller?” The rhetorical question soon became reality.
The scene was chaotic. Federal agents from ICE, Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO), the FBI, and even the U.S. Treasury Department had been posted in the hallways of 26 Federal Plaza that morning. Their presence — masked, coordinated, and heavily armed — created a chilling atmosphere for migrants, attorneys, and activists alike.
The incident marks an increasingly aggressive posture by federal authorities under the Trump administration’s second term. Just last week, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) was tackled and handcuffed after attempting to confront Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem during a press event. In a separate case, Rep. LaMonica McIver (D-N.J.) was charged after trying to enter a privately operated migrant detention facility in Newark.
Tuesday’s detention of a sitting citywide official in New York adds yet another high-profile flashpoint to a national crisis.
Critics say these actions are aimed at silencing elected officials who challenge federal immigration policy — particularly as election season heats up. Supporters of the crackdown claim the agents are simply enforcing existing laws and protecting federal facilities from disruption.
In an interview with The City minutes before his arrest, Lander explained why he was spending his time inside a courthouse instead of campaigning on the street.
“I don’t think there’s any place that’s more important to be right now than bearing witness and trying to stand up for the rule of law,” he said. “A big question on the campaign trail is: how will you stand up to Donald Trump?”
Taking a swipe at the current frontrunner in the mayoral race, Lander added, “Andrew Cuomo wants to tell a story about what he would do, but he views it as like a finger-poking ego fight — not show up and protect people.”
No official charges had been announced by Tuesday afternoon, and ICE had not responded to multiple requests for comment.
For many New Yorkers, the arrest sparked concern and outrage.
“This is political intimidation,” said one immigration attorney present at the scene, who declined to give their name for fear of retaliation. “They didn’t just grab a protester. They grabbed a city official — in front of everyone — for trying to protect someone’s rights.”
Whether Lander’s actions were symbolic or actionable, one thing is clear: the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown is entering a new phase — one where even elected officials aren’t immune from handcuffs.
