(NewsNation) — Brad Lander, the New York City comptroller and a Democratic candidate for mayor, was arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents Tuesday as he was attempting to accompany a person out of immigration court.
Lander was in court observing immigration hearings and told The Associated Press that he was there to accompany people out of the courthouse.
Lander’s wife, Meg Barnette, told reporters at a news conference that her husband tried to link arms with a person as that person left the courtroom when he was swarmed by federal agents.
Trump touts ‘complete and total control’ of Iran skies
“They said, ‘You’re obstructing,’” Barnette said at the news conference. “I was shoved out of the way.”
“What I saw was shocking and unacceptable,” she added. “What I saw today was not the rule of law.”
In a statement posted to its social media account, the Department of Homeland Security said that Lander was arrested for assaulting law enforcement and impeding a federal officer.
“It is wrong that politicians seeking higher office undermine law enforcement to get a viral moment,” DHS officials said. “No one is above the law and if you lay a hand on a law enforcement officer, you will find consequences.”
New York Attorney General Letitia James called Lander’s arrest “a shocking abuse of power”, adding, “No one should face fear and intimidation in a courthouse, and this administration’s continued rampant targeting of New Yorkers makes our communities less safe.”
the Associated Press reported that in the moments before Lander was arrested, agents could be seen trying to separate him from the person that agents were reportedly present to take into custody. One of the agents who escorted Lander away was dressed in a uniform that read, “federal agent,” while others were dressed in plain clothes and wore surgical masks.
“I’m not obstructing, I’m standing right here in the hallway,” Lander said as he was being handcuffed, the AP reported.
“You don’t have the authority to arrest U.S. citizens asking for a judicial warrant,” Lander said as he was led away down a hallway and into an elevator.
Shortly after the incident, Barnette wrote on X that her husband remains in ICE custody and that “we are grateful to the many friends, supporters and allies who have gathered in Federal Plaza. Together, we are standing up for those with no voices.”
This is a developing story. NewsNation will update the story as more information becomes available.
