A group of New York Democrats was arrested on September 18, 2025, for allegedly attempting to obstruct justice at an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility in Manhattan. The officials, including New York City Comptroller Brad Lander, were among nearly 80 individuals who staged a sit-in at 26 Federal Plaza, demanding access to holding rooms containing detainees, some of whom are convicted criminals.
The protest attracted significant attention as it involved individuals with serious criminal backgrounds. According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), among those being processed at the facility was a confirmed member of the MS-13 gang, a convicted drug trafficker, and an undocumented migrant caught with two kilograms of fentanyl, estimated to be worth hundreds of thousands of dollars. This substance has the potential to be lethal for thousands.
In a statement following the arrests, DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin criticized the actions of the elected officials. “Another day, another sanctuary politician pulling a stunt in an attempt to get their 15 minutes of fame while endangering DHS personnel and detainees,” McLaughlin remarked. She specifically called out Lander for arriving unannounced with media and protesters, leading to disruptions inside the facility.
The protest escalated to such an extent that it resulted in a bomb threat, prompting a lockdown of the building. Federal law enforcement, alongside the New York Police Department, arrested Lander, two state senators, and nine assembly members, among others. This incident adds to the scrutiny surrounding the Manhattan government building, which also houses an immigration court and the FBI’s New York field office.
History of Tensions and Arrests
This is not the first time Lander has faced legal consequences for his protests against ICE operations. He was previously arrested in June while campaigning for the Democratic nomination for mayor of New York City. During that incident, he allegedly assaulted DHS officers at the same location but ultimately lost the nomination to Zohran Mamdani, a self-described democratic socialist.
McLaughlin emphasized the implications of Lander’s actions, stating, “Brad Lander’s obsession with attacking the brave men and women of law enforcement, physically and rhetorically, must stop NOW.” She linked his behavior to a troubling increase in assaults on ICE officers.
Other Democrats have also attracted national attention for similar protests. In May, Newark Mayor Ras Baraka was arrested after allegedly trespassing at an immigration detention center, while New Jersey Representative LaMonica McIver faced charges for assaulting and obstructing immigration officers during the confrontation.
While some view these protests as necessary actions against immigration enforcement, others argue they undermine law enforcement and public safety. The ongoing conflict highlights the deepening divides over immigration policy in the United States.
The situation at 26 Federal Plaza remains fluid, with DHS not responding to requests for additional information regarding the detainees involved. As the debate continues, the actions of elected officials and their impact on policy and public perception will likely remain a focal point in discussions surrounding immigration reform and law enforcement practices.