Brad Lander, a current candidate for New York City mayor and Comptroller was just publicly placed under arrest by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents as well as the FBI on June 17.
According to reports, the arrest occurred right outside of the federal immigration court, and it happened as Lander attempted to accompany a third-party out of the courtroom. The person that Lander was attempting to escort out of the building was also arrested.
Reports show that Lander was observing immigration court hearings throughout the morning prior to the arrest. Witnesses later told reporters and police that Lander specifically stated that his intention was to “accompany” some of the immigrants out of the building.
Sure enough, when an immigrant Lander suspected might be targeted by ICE was released from court, ICE agents approached him. Lander was standing arm-in-arm with the immigrant and refused to separate from him.
Just prior to being arrested, the witness’s video footage shows agents attempting to physically separate Lander and the other man. One of the agents yelled at Lander, “You’re obstructing,” but that didn’t stop him from continuing to stay close to the immigrant. As Lander was being handcuffed, he told the officers that they didn’t have the authority to arrest US citizens. He also asked for a warrant. As he continued to protest, he was led down the hallway by an agent wearing a “federal agent” vest.
Many of the other officers involved in the arrest were in plainclothes, wearing only masks over their faces.
What Are Your Rights as an Immigrant in New York?
New York City is considered a sanctuary city because local and state laws generally prohibit law enforcement from targeting, arresting, or detaining individuals exclusively based on their immigration status or alleged civil immigration violations. Law enforcement officers are not authorized to ask about immigration status or enforce immigration laws.
All that said, ICE agents enforce federal laws, so they are completely separate from state and local law enforcement. ICE agents are legally authorized to make arrests for immigration violations.
That said, if you are currently an immigrant residing in New York, then it’s important to understand your rights. New York’s Protect Our Courts Act (POCA) exempts certain parties from being arrested while going to or returning from a court proceeding. Depending on the specifics of the case above, it might be possible for the arrested immigrant to have some form of recourse.
If you ever find yourself in a similar situation, then don’t hesitate to reach out to a lawyer who can help. The right legal advocate will ensure you completely understand your rights and legal options. They’ll advocate for you, advise you on how to proceed, and fight for the best possible legal outcome.
Schedule a free case evaluation with our experienced team of criminal defense attorneys now to talk about your situation in more detail with our team. You can schedule your review now by filling out our online form or calling us directly at (212) 729-1632.
