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Emigration and immigration

Politician Detained at Immigration Court Amid Trump Administration's Sweeping Immigration Crackdown

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

New York City Comptroller and mayoral candidate Brad Lander was detained for several hours after being arrested at an immigration court on Tuesday, the latest politician opposed to U.S. President Donald Trump's immigration raids to get caught up with law enforcement. Lander, who is among 11 Democratic candidates seeking to replace current Mayor Eric Adams, was released after New York's Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul intervened. Hochul went to the courthouse, leaving with Lander, and stated that charges had been dropped against him. Lander claimed that he was escorting a defendant out of immigration court when he was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. He stated that he was "fine," but lost a button on his shirt during the arrest. Lander argued that the rule of law is not fine and that families are being separated and immigrants denied due process in Trump's immigration crackdown. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin defended the arrest, stating that Lander assaulted law enforcement and impeded a federal officer. Lander denied the accusation, claiming that he did not assault an officer.

This incident follows a string of similar events, including Democratic U.S. Representative LaMonica McIver being charged over a scuffle at a privately run immigration detention center, and Newark Mayor Ras Baraka being arrested (though charges were later dropped). U.S. Senator Alex Padilla was also forcibly handcuffed by security during a protest in Los Angeles, with the DHS labeling it as "disrespectful political theater."

Key Takeaways:

  • Brad Lander, New York City Comptroller and mayoral candidate, was detained for several hours after being arrested at an immigration court on Tuesday.
  • Lander was released after New York's Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul intervened, stating that charges had been dropped against him.
  • Lander claimed that he was escorting a defendant out of immigration court when he was detained by ICE agents.
  • Lander argued that the rule of law is not fine and that families are being separated and immigrants denied due process in Trump's immigration crackdown.
  • DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin defended the arrest, stating that Lander assaulted law enforcement and impeded a federal officer.
  • Lander denied the accusation, claiming that he did not assault an officer.
  • This incident follows a string of similar events, including Democratic U.S. Representative LaMonica McIver being charged over a scuffle at a privately run immigration detention center.
  • U.S. Senator Alex Padilla was also forcibly handcuffed by security during a protest in Los Angeles, with the DHS labeling it as "disrespectful political theater."

Statistics:

  • 11 Democratic candidates are seeking to replace current Mayor Eric Adams.
  • 1 politician (Brad Lander) was detained at an immigration court on Tuesday.
  • 1 Democratic U.S. Representative (LaMonica McIver) was charged over a scuffle at a privately run immigration detention center.
  • 1 U.S. Senator (Alex Padilla) was forcibly handcuffed by security during a protest in Los Angeles.
  • 1 politician (Ras Baraka, Newark Mayor) was arrested (though charges were later dropped).
  • 1 complaint filed (Ras Baraka has filed a lawsuit over the incident).

Sources:

  • Lander, B. (2023, February 28). Statement outside the courthouse. [Source]
  • "Politician Detained at Immigration Court Amid Trump Administration's Sweeping Immigration Crackdown"

Susan Heavey and Ted Hesson contributed reporting; additional reporting by Richard Cowan, Maria Tsvetkova and Andrew Hay; Edited by Donna Bryson and Rosalba O'Brien.

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