Comptroller Brad Lander pleads not guilty in ICE protest while considering a congressional run.

City Comptroller Brad Lander recently appeared in Manhattan Federal Court, where he pleaded not guilty to a violation linked to his involvement in a protest regarding the treatment of migrants at the 26 Federal Plaza facility. His arraignment took place on Friday, where he was granted release on his own recognizance by Magistrate Judge Henry Ricardo. The judge cautioned Lander to refrain from violating any federal, state, or local laws during the pendency of the case.

The incident in question pertains to Lander’s participation in a demonstration held on September 18, during which he and a group of approximately ten elected officials occupied an elevator lobby on a nonpublic floor of the facility. The group protested against the conditions under which asylum seekers are held at the government-owned premises, seeking accountability for reports of poor treatment. Lander, in contrast to the other participants, opted not to accept a plea deal from prosecutors that could have resulted in the dismissal of the charge against him in exchange for avoiding future arrests on federal property.

The charge alleges that Lander unreasonably obstructed the usual use of the elevator bank area during the protest. His earlier arrest occurred in June when he was similarly advocating for migrant rights at the same facility. Lander has expressed an intent to take the case to trial, seeking to clarify the legality surrounding the usage of the building’s 10th-floor area, which is not accessible to the public. He aims to demonstrate that it is the practices of Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents, rather than his actions, that constitute a violation of the law.

The U.S. government has faced criticism from various lawmakers regarding limited access to the holding cells at the facility, where numerous migrant detainees have reported distressing experiences. Lander underscored this sentiment in statements made following his court appearance, asserting that the real infraction lies in the actions of ICE agents operating behind closed doors, rather than the peaceful demonstration itself.

The comptroller is reportedly contemplating a potential candidacy for New York’s 10th congressional district, where he could challenge incumbent Democratic Representative Dan Goldman. In discussing this possibility, Lander characterized the current political climate as urgent, underscoring a need for leadership that prioritizes the safety and rights of vulnerable populations. As Lander evaluates his prospects for a congressional campaign, he remains focused on the pressing issues impacting New Yorkers and their communities.

The developments surrounding Lander’s legal challenges and political ambitions are being closely monitored as they unfold.