New York mayoral candidate Brad Lander released after arrest sparks outcry

The Department of Homeland Security accused Lander of “assaulting law enforcement and impeding a federal officer,” charges he denied. “I certainly did not,” Lander said after his release. “You don’t have the authority to arrest US citizens asking for a judicial warrant,” he can be heard saying in the video.

Lander’s arrest led to immediate condemnation from political figures. Governor Kathy Hochul called the incident “bullshit” and confirmed later that charges had been dropped. “He walked out of there a free man,” she said at a press conference.

New York City Comptroller Brad Lander speaks during a press conference after being released from arrest outside federal immigration court on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Olga Fedorova)

His wife, Meg Barnette, first confirmed the arrest via social media: “While escorting a defendant out of immigration court at 26 Federal Plaza, Brad was taken by masked agents and detained by ICE.”

Mayoral rival and ally Zohran Mamdani called the arrest “fascism,” while State Senator Julia Salazar said it proved ICE was “flagrantly breaking the law.” Former Governor Andrew Cuomo described it as “thuggery” and a reflection of “Trump’s ICE out of control.”

At a rally outside the courthouse, supporters chanted “Free Brad Lander” while holding signs like “Immigrants are New York.” Protesters were stopped behind barricades as public entry to the building was closed.

New York City Comptroller Brad Lander is placed under arrest by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and FBI agents outside federal immigration court on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Olga Fedorova)

Following his release, Lander said, “I’m just fine. Lost a button, that’s all.” He noted the more pressing issue was Edgardo, who remained in ICE detention. “So far as I know, he has no lawyer. He has been stripped of his due process rights.”

In a post on X, Lander lashed out at Trump and “his fascist regime”. “We will all be worse off if we let Donald Trump and his fascist regime undermine the rule of law.”

Lander’s arrest comes amid a surge in ICE activity.  The incident also echoed the recent arrest of California Senator Alex Padilla, who was handcuffed during a press conference while confronting DHS Secretary Kristi Noem in Los Angeles.