NEW YORK (AP) — New York City’s chief fiscal officer, Brad Lander, arrested for protesting the conditions at an immigration holding facility, has decided to go to trial on a misdemeanor obstruction charge instead of accepting a negotiation that would have allowed his case to be dismissed in six months. I want a trial, Lander stated following his court appearance in Manhattan, where he faced federal authorities regarding his September 18 protest alongside other lawmakers.
Lander, an ally of Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani, vowed to maintain his protests against the Trump administration’s immigration policies, asserting that a trial could unveil the practices of federal authorities. The liberal Democrat previously faced arrest in June for linking arms with a person intended for detention at an immigration court, which garnered attention towards his typically measured political persona.
He and Mamdani supported each other leading up to the primaries, and speculation about Lander's potential Congressional campaign continues. Following his protest, Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin criticized Lander, claiming he was seeking publicity while compromising safety.
A spokesperson from the federal prosecutor's office refrained from comment. In total, eleven officials were detained and issued summonses after they attempted to inspect holding facilities at 26 Federal Plaza, which houses an immigration court among other federal offices. These officials argued that they aimed to ensure compliance with a judicial ruling mandating improved conditions within ICE facilities. The obstruction charge against Lander specifically alleged that he obstructed access through building entrances, and he plans to return to the facility soon to continue advocating for change.
Rejecting the plea deal would have resolved his misdemeanor if he stayed out of trouble on federal property for half a year, although the charge carries a maximum penalty of 30 days in jail.
Lander, an ally of Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani, vowed to maintain his protests against the Trump administration’s immigration policies, asserting that a trial could unveil the practices of federal authorities. The liberal Democrat previously faced arrest in June for linking arms with a person intended for detention at an immigration court, which garnered attention towards his typically measured political persona.
He and Mamdani supported each other leading up to the primaries, and speculation about Lander's potential Congressional campaign continues. Following his protest, Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin criticized Lander, claiming he was seeking publicity while compromising safety.
A spokesperson from the federal prosecutor's office refrained from comment. In total, eleven officials were detained and issued summonses after they attempted to inspect holding facilities at 26 Federal Plaza, which houses an immigration court among other federal offices. These officials argued that they aimed to ensure compliance with a judicial ruling mandating improved conditions within ICE facilities. The obstruction charge against Lander specifically alleged that he obstructed access through building entrances, and he plans to return to the facility soon to continue advocating for change.
Rejecting the plea deal would have resolved his misdemeanor if he stayed out of trouble on federal property for half a year, although the charge carries a maximum penalty of 30 days in jail.
