Gothamist, Brittany Kriegstein, Brigid Bergin, Charles Lane, Paige Oamek, Jun 17, 2025

Mayoral candidate and city Comptroller Brad Lander was arrested Tuesday by federal agents at an immigration courthouse in Lower Manhattan, according to Homeland Security officials and staff for his mayoral campaign and office.

Video posted to social media shows Lander being led away in handcuffs into an elevator by two men who appear to be masked law enforcement officials, which is consistent with the recent practices of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE.

“You have no authority to arrest U.S. citizens,” Lander can be heard asking in the video. “Where are you taking me and with what authority?”

Lander campaign spokesperson Dora Pekec told Gothamist the comptroller was arrested while escorting a defendant out of immigration court at 26 Federal Plaza.

Read More: Gothamist

Here’s a better video showing Ice tussling with Brad Lander. His protective efforts were genuine, and I love him for it! He’s got my vote.