Brad Lander, NYC mayoral candidate, arrested by ICE in Lower Manhattan.

New York City Comptroller Brad Lander was released from federal custody on Tuesday evening following an arrest amid allegations of assaulting a federal officer during an immigration proceeding monitoring at 26 Federal Plaza. The incident occurred when Lander attempted to intervene on behalf of an individual being apprehended by agents from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

The details surrounding Lander’s arrest have become a flashpoint for discussions on law enforcement practices amid the ongoing contentious atmosphere surrounding immigration policy under the former Trump administration. Lander’s detention was met with immediate backlash from supporters and political figures, raising questions about both the motivations and legality of the actions taken by ICE agents.

Five hours after his arrest, Lander emerged from the courthouse with his wife and Governor Kathy Hochul, greeted by a crowd of supporters. Hochul confirmed there were no formal charges filed against Lander, stating that he left the building a free man. However, the Manhattan U.S. Attorney’s Office, headed by a Trump appointee, indicated that they are still reviewing the situation and that prosecution is a possibility.

The incident has drawn condemnation from various quarters, with a spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security labeling Lander’s actions as undermining law enforcement efforts. Critics argue that Lander’s arrest highlights the increasingly aggressive tactics employed by ICE, particularly in and around courthouses, where many immigrants have felt vulnerable to detention during routine legal appearances.

Lander asserted that he did not assault any officer and described his actions as an attempt to ensure that the proper legal procedures were followed during the apprehension of the individual he sought to assist. Video footage from the scene shows Lander expressing his request to see a warrant before being detained by masked ICE agents.

Supporters of Lander, including fellow candidates in the upcoming Democratic mayoral primary, rallied at 26 Federal Plaza following news of his arrest. They condemned his apprehension as emblematic of broader issues relating to immigration enforcement and the treatment of immigrants in the United States.

The courthouse at 26 Federal Plaza has recently become a focal point for ICE operations, with increasing reports of agents conducting arrests during asylum check-ins, raising concerns about the implications for individuals seeking refuge and due process. Legal professionals and advocates for immigrant rights fear that such actions could dissuade vulnerable populations from seeking necessary legal protections.

As the political fallout from this incident unfolds, Lander and his supporters continue to advocate for immigration reform and protections for individuals facing deportation, amidst ongoing scrutiny of national policies affecting immigrant communities.