Key Point Summary – Brad Lander Arrested

• NYC mayoral candidate Brad Lander was arrested by ICE agents Tuesday.
• Lander refused to let agents detain an immigrant, demanding a warrant.
• Homeland Security claims he assaulted officers by pushing hands away.
• Video shows Lander vocally protesting but no clear assault is visible.
• Fellow Democrats rallied to defend Lander and denounce ICE tactics.
• The arrest happened amid Trump’s renewed crackdown on sanctuary cities.
• Lander remained in custody as of Tuesday afternoon.

Chaos at Immigration Court as Brad Lander Is Cuffed by ICE

A stunning scene unfolded Tuesday at Manhattan’s 26 Federal Plaza when New York City Comptroller and mayoral hopeful Brad Lander was arrested by ICE agents during a heated clash over the detention of an immigrant following a courtroom appearance.

Lander, known for his progressive stance on immigration, had been attending hearings as a show of solidarity. But what started as observation quickly spiraled into confrontation.

Caught on Camera: “Take Him In”

Video footage shows Lander refusing to move aside as ICE agents tried to detain an immigrant whose asylum case had just been dismissed. With his hand gripping the man’s shoulder, Lander demanded to see a judicial warrant.

“You don’t have the authority to arrest US citizens,” Lander insisted repeatedly in the hallway.

Officers warned him to step back. When he didn’t, one agent barked, “Take him in.” Within seconds, Lander was restrained and cuffed, triggering immediate outcry online and from his political allies.

Feds Say It Was Assault — Critics Disagree

The Department of Homeland Security claimed Lander was arrested for assaulting federal officers and obstructing justice. A spokesperson accused him of physically interfering during a lawful arrest.

“Our heroic ICE law enforcement officers face a 413% increase in assaults,” the spokesperson said, slamming what they called Lander’s “viral moment” stunt.

But video shared by reporters paints a murkier picture. There’s no obvious sign of physical violence. At most, sources say, Lander may have pushed an agent’s hands away while trying to shield the immigrant.

One insider scoffed at the idea Lander posed any real threat: “I’m not sure he’s capable of assaulting a damp napkin.”

ICE Confrontation Sparks Political Firestorm

Lander’s arrest sent shockwaves through New York’s mayoral race. Progressive lawmakers and rivals rushed to his defense, blasting ICE’s tactics under President Trump’s immigration push.

Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani, who recently endorsed Lander, called the arrest a “moment of courage,” adding: “ICE has no interest in law — only in terrorizing people.”

Even former Gov. Andrew Cuomo, a frequent critic of Lander, took his side. “This is the latest example of the extreme thuggery of Trump’s ICE,” Cuomo posted on X. “One can only imagine the fear families feel.”

Governor Kathy Hochul was reportedly furious, telling aides, “It’s bulls—,” and vowing to personally check in with Lander.

Mayor Eric Adams, often at odds with Lander, has so far remained silent.

The Tactic: Link Arms, Delay Deportation

According to campaign insiders, Lander had joined others in a non-violent tactic: linking arms with immigrants likely to be detained by ICE. The goal was to escort them out of the building before agents could intervene.

Sources said Lander had already helped walk out two immigrants without incident before the confrontation. When ICE tried to grab the third individual, Lander wouldn’t let go.

That’s when the scuffle began—and ended with Lander in federal custody.

Trump’s ICE Raids Intensify in NYC

The standoff highlights the growing tension between city leaders and the federal government. Trump’s second-term administration has ordered ICE to ramp up detentions in liberal cities like New York, where local officials have tried to shield undocumented residents.

The result: more courthouse detentions, more community fear, and now, political arrests.

Lander’s allies say this was exactly the moment he’s been warning about: where government force meets civil resistance.

What’s Next for Lander?

As of Tuesday afternoon, Lander remained in custody. It’s unclear whether federal charges will stick or be downgraded amid the backlash.

His mayoral campaign, however, may be energized by the spectacle. To supporters, the image of Lander standing between ICE and an immigrant—arms linked, defiant—is already iconic.

“This is leadership,” said Mamdani. “This is what resistance looks like.”

Whether it translates into votes is another question. But one thing is certain: Brad Lander’s arrest just reshaped the 2025 race for mayor.