NEW YORK — New York City Comptroller Brad Lander was handcuffed and detained by federal agents Tuesday afternoon while escorting migrants from immigration hearings in Lower Manhattan — with video of the incident packing a politically potent punch for his suddenly energetic mayoral campaign.
On Tuesday morning, Lander was at 26 Federal Plaza in downtown Manhattan to observe an immigration hearing when he walked out of the courtroom locking arms with a Yoruba-speaking immigrant, according to Lander’s wife, Meg Barnette, who spoke to reporters at a press conference.
When federal agents moved to detain the immigrant in the hallway outside the courtroom, Lander asked for them to show a judicial warrant. The agents did not and put him into custody.
Video taken by Lander’s press secretary showed a chaotic scuffle as agents whisked the immigrant into an elevator before tussling with Lander and placing him into cuffs.
Barnette said it showed how Lander would serve as mayor. “This is one more example of Brad’s values,” she said. “This is one more example of what he does and what he will keep doing.”
“My husband is a candidate for mayor, is an elected citywide official, is a US citizen, has a US passport, and I know in all likelihood, he’s going to be OK,” she added, while Lander was still being held in the building. “All of the other folks in that building are risking having their families torn apart with inadequate explanation, and it’s an abomination, and it is not what we stand for in this country.”
The viral moment comes as Lander has been amping up his run for Gracie Mansion with a standout debate performance and muddled support from The New York Times.
Other mayoral contenders immediately condemned the Trump administration for detaining Lander. Zohran Mamdani, who cross-endorsed Lander for mayor last week, quickly arrived at the press conference outside 26 Federal Plaza to show support.