As New York City mayoral election results develop, the Justice Department has not commented on possible charges against Brad Lander, the city’s director and former Democratic mayoral candidate.
A DOJ spokesperson replied to an inquiry via email.
Footage of Lander’s arrest on June 17 depicts a tense situation where he appears to hang onto an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent while trying to escort a defendant from immigration court at 26 Federal Plaza. Lander can be heard asking multiple times whether there is a judicial warrant.
“Show me the judicial warrant, and I’ll let it go!” Lander is heard saying in the video. “Where’s the warrant? Where is it?!”
Eventually, federal officials pulled Lander away from those targeted and handcuffed him. He repeatedly asserted they had no authority to arrest him. When an agent claimed Lander was obstructing the process, he insisted, “I’m not blocking it. I’m just standing here, asking to see the judicial warrant.”
Hours after the incident, Lander was in custody alongside New York Governor Kathy Hochul. During a press conference outside the court, Hochul stated the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York continues to investigate Lander’s actions, yet charges have since been dropped.
Nick Bias, Director of Public Service for the U.S. Attorney General’s Office, emphasized that protecting the safety of government officials, law enforcement, and the public remains a priority. He indicated that the DOJ would pursue any violations of federal law.
Weeks later, as New York City announced the results of the election, a DOJ representative declined to confirm whether they were still investigating Lander or considering charges. This response coincided with the DOJ’s refusal to comment on whether there would be charges against Senator Alex Padilla, who faced temporary detention after interrupting a press conference held by DHS Secretary Krista Noem in Los Angeles on June 12.
The event unfolded while Lander was campaigning for New York City’s Democratic mayoral nomination. While praised by some progressive circles, others suggested the arrest might have been orchestrated for political gain.
Joe Borelli, a former New York City councilman and GOP political operative, described Lander’s arrest as a calculated move, remarking, “Election Day is just a week away, and early voting has started. The objective is clear: to gain instant recognition and enhance liberal credibility.”
In response to the incident, DHS Deputy Chief Tricia McLaughlin accused certain Democratic politicians, including Lander, of leveraging similar tactics.
She stated that the administration does not support actions obstructing enforcement and made it clear that anyone physically intervening would face arrest, referencing Lander’s case.
As the election results were revealed, the DOJ’s silence on the ongoing investigation into Lander stood out, raising questions among observers.
DOJ refuses to comment on possible charges against NYC Democrat accused of attacking an ICE agent
As New York City mayoral election results develop, the Justice Department has not commented on possible charges against Brad Lander, the city’s director and former Democratic mayoral candidate.
A DOJ spokesperson replied to an inquiry via email.
Footage of Lander’s arrest on June 17 depicts a tense situation where he appears to hang onto an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent while trying to escort a defendant from immigration court at 26 Federal Plaza. Lander can be heard asking multiple times whether there is a judicial warrant.
“Show me the judicial warrant, and I’ll let it go!” Lander is heard saying in the video. “Where’s the warrant? Where is it?!”
Eventually, federal officials pulled Lander away from those targeted and handcuffed him. He repeatedly asserted they had no authority to arrest him. When an agent claimed Lander was obstructing the process, he insisted, “I’m not blocking it. I’m just standing here, asking to see the judicial warrant.”
Hours after the incident, Lander was in custody alongside New York Governor Kathy Hochul. During a press conference outside the court, Hochul stated the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York continues to investigate Lander’s actions, yet charges have since been dropped.
Nick Bias, Director of Public Service for the U.S. Attorney General’s Office, emphasized that protecting the safety of government officials, law enforcement, and the public remains a priority. He indicated that the DOJ would pursue any violations of federal law.
Weeks later, as New York City announced the results of the election, a DOJ representative declined to confirm whether they were still investigating Lander or considering charges. This response coincided with the DOJ’s refusal to comment on whether there would be charges against Senator Alex Padilla, who faced temporary detention after interrupting a press conference held by DHS Secretary Krista Noem in Los Angeles on June 12.
The event unfolded while Lander was campaigning for New York City’s Democratic mayoral nomination. While praised by some progressive circles, others suggested the arrest might have been orchestrated for political gain.
Joe Borelli, a former New York City councilman and GOP political operative, described Lander’s arrest as a calculated move, remarking, “Election Day is just a week away, and early voting has started. The objective is clear: to gain instant recognition and enhance liberal credibility.”
In response to the incident, DHS Deputy Chief Tricia McLaughlin accused certain Democratic politicians, including Lander, of leveraging similar tactics.
She stated that the administration does not support actions obstructing enforcement and made it clear that anyone physically intervening would face arrest, referencing Lander’s case.
As the election results were revealed, the DOJ’s silence on the ongoing investigation into Lander stood out, raising questions among observers.
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