New York City Comptroller Arrested by Federal Agents at Immigration Court

New York City Comptroller Brad Lander was arrested and confronted by masked federal agents at an immigration court in Lower Manhattan.

Lander, the city’s elected financial watchdog and a Democratic mayoral candidate, appeared at 26 Federal Plaza on the morning of June 17 to observe immigration hearings for individuals facing potential deportation.

The arrest occurred as Lander and his staff walked arm-in-arm with an immigrant whose case had just been dismissed, pending appeal. Federal agents—from ICE, the FBI, and the Treasury Department, all wearing masks—moved to detain the immigrant. When Lander intervened, demanding, “Show me your warrant, show me your badge,” the agents refused.

After repeated demands, an officer ordered, “Take him in.” Lander was then forcibly pushed against a wall, handcuffed, and taken into custody.

When asked where Lander was being taken, the agents did not respond. The charges against him remain unclear, but sources suggest he may be released with a summons.

Reactions to the Arrest

• Dora Pekec, Lander’s spokesperson: “While escorting a defendant, Brad was detained by masked ICE agents. The situation is still developing.”

• Meg Barnette, Lander’s wife: “He’ll likely be fine, but others in that building risk having their families torn apart without proper justification. This is an abomination.”

• Justin Brannan (Comptroller candidate): “Trump’s ICE is operating with authoritarian tactics, bypassing due process. We can’t let this fascist playbook become normal.”

• Mark Levine (another candidate): “Masked agents arresting an elected official for asking to see a warrant? This is authoritarianism. Lander must be released now.”

Lander, who is not seeking re-election as comptroller, is one of nine Democrats running in the June 24 mayoral primary. Early voting is already underway.