Masked ICE Agents Arrest N.Y.C. Official Running for Mayor in Dramatic Video Posted by His Wife

Masked ICE Agents Arrest NYC Official Brad Lander in Dramatic Video Surfaces​

In a shocking turn of events, New York City’s Comptroller and mayoral candidate, Brad Lander, was arrested by masked Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in a dramatic incident captured on video. The footage, posted by Lander’s wife, Meg Barnette, shows a tense encounter outside a federal immigration court.

The arrest took place just a week before the upcoming mayoral election, adding a layer of complexity to an already heated political race. Lander, a prominent figure in the 2025 mayoral campaign, was taken into custody while reportedly assisting immigrants leaving the courtroom.

Witnesses described a chaotic scene, with Barnette recounting how she was pushed aside as her husband was apprehended. She expressed shock and disbelief at the turn of events, emphasising that what unfolded was contrary to the principles of the rule of law.

The video footage circulating online shows Lander engaged in a verbal exchange with the ICE agents, asserting his rights as a US citizen and demanding a judicial warrant for his arrest. Despite his protests, Lander was handcuffed and led away by the agents in what onlookers described as a deeply unsettling scene.

The specific charges against Lander remain unclear, leaving many in the community speculating about the motives behind his arrest. The use of masked agents and the manner in which the arrest was carried out have raised concerns about transparency and due process in law enforcement actions.

As the news spreads through New York City, residents are left grappling with the implications for the upcoming mayoral election. Lander’s arrest has cast a shadow over his candidacy, drawing attention away from the policy issues that have dominated the campaign trail in recent weeks.

The incident has sparked a broader conversation about immigration enforcement practices and the role of federal agencies in local communities. Calls for accountability and transparency are mounting, with many demanding a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding Lander’s arrest.

In the midst of the unfolding controversy, Lander’s supporters have rallied behind him, expressing solidarity and calling for justice. The dramatic events captured in the video serve as a stark reminder of the intersecting issues of immigration, law enforcement, and political leadership facing cities like New York.

As the investigation into Lander’s arrest continues, the political landscape in New York City remains in flux. With election day fast approaching, the impact of this incident on the mayoral race is yet to be fully realised. The coming days are likely to see heightened scrutiny and heightened tensions as the community grapples with the fallout from this unprecedented event.