NYC Comptroller Brad Lander Temporarily Detained During Protest

June 19, 2025 – Brooklyn, NY — New York City Comptroller Brad Lander was briefly detained yesterday afternoon during a peaceful demonstration outside a federal immigration facility in Sunset Park. The protest, organized by local advocacy groups including Faith in New York and Make the Road NY, aimed to challenge ICE’s treatment of detained asylum seekers.

🚨 Why Was Brad Lander Detained?

According to eyewitnesses, Lander and a group of interfaith leaders including Reverend Meg Barnette were participating in a sit-in outside the ICE processing center. Federal agents asked the group to clear the entrance. When they refused, several were escorted away, questioned, and released without charges.

🗣️ Lander Responds

“I wasn’t arrested—I was detained while standing in solidarity with immigrant families,” Lander said in a press conference shortly after his release. “No one should be deported or imprisoned without dignity and due process.”

📌 Who is Meg Barnette?

Meg Barnette, an Episcopal priest and community activist, was among those detained. She emphasized the moral responsibility faith leaders carry in advocating for human rights: “When our government mistreats the vulnerable, silence is complicity.”

🌆 City and State Response

New York Governor Kathy Hochul released a statement in support of peaceful protest, saying, "We must uphold both public order and constitutional freedoms. I urge federal authorities to exercise restraint and dialogue.”

📊 Public Reaction

Social media platforms quickly lit up with hashtags like #StandWithBrad and #FaithNotFear, with many calling on ICE to release more transparency reports on its detainment practices.

🔍 What Happens Next?

Advocacy groups plan a follow-up march at Foley Square next week. Meanwhile, city officials confirm no formal charges were filed, and an internal review of ICE's actions is pending.

Lander concluded: “This city was built by immigrants. We will not back down from defending their rights.”