New York.- Various civil rights organizations and elected officials have expressed their rejection of the arrest by agents of ICE of the New York City Comptroller and mayoral candidate, Brad Lander, calling it an abuse of power and political intimidation.
New York’s Attorney General, Letitia James referred to the incident: “This is deeply unacceptable. Arresting Comptroller Lander for simply defending immigrants and their civil rights is a shocking abuse of power”. Likewise, the Public Advocate, Jumaane Williams, called ICE’s conduct atrocious, and the Comptroller’s conduct inspiring. “We need leadership that uses its power and voice to defend the most vulnerable people in our city against oppression and harm. Every leader with a conscience must speak out against this attempt by ICE to silence dissent and deny human and legal rights,” he asserted. Also, Murad Awawdeh, president and CEO of the New York Immigration Coalition, stated: “The arrest of the New York City Comptroller constitutes an outrageous abuse of power and a dangerous obstruction of justice.” Awawdeh added in a statement that at a time when immigrant New Yorkers are being kidnapped in broad daylight in communities and neighborhoods, this type of intimidation only deepens fear and uncertainty.You may be interested in: New York City Comptroller and mayoral candidate Brad Lander is arrested in front of immigration court
Zohran Mamdani, who is second in the polls ahead of next week’s primaries, issued the following statement: “The arrest of Brad Lander is a consequence of the authoritarian crisis facing New York City under the government of Donald Trump and all those who facilitate it. Defending our immigrant neighbors should be celebrated, not condemned. “We will not remain silent until immigrant communities are safe”.
The New York City Comptroller and mayoral candidate, Brad Lander, was released this afternoon after being detained by ICE agents. Governor Kathy Hochul and his wife Meg Barnette were waiting for him upon his release.
