NYC Comptroller Brad Lander Arrested by ICE During Immigration Court Escort

New York City Comptroller Brad Lander was arrested by ICE agents while escorting an immigrant out of immigration court in Manhattan, an event that sparked significant controversy and was publicly condemned by New York Governor Kathy Hochul. Lander has been actively attending immigration court hearings to support individuals facing expedited removal after their cases are dismissed, a process he criticizes for its harshness and procedural flaws, including inadequate translation services. The incident has drawn attention to broader protests against federal immigration enforcement, with Portland Mayor Keith Wilson expressing solidarity with peaceful demonstrators opposing federal overreach and affirming that local police will not act as ICE agents despite maintaining a presence at protest sites. Wilson also criticized the deployment of the National Guard to other cities, emphasizing that Portland does not need such federal intervention and warning against potential federal abuses. These developments highlight escalating tensions around immigration enforcement policies under the current administration and local officials' responses to community activism and federal actions. The ongoing protests and legal challenges reflect a national debate over immigration enforcement practices and civil rights protections.