Brad Lander found not guilty in trial over immigration court arrest
A federal judge has found former New York City Comptroller Brad Lander not guilty of obstructing an elevator at 26 Federal Plaza in a bench trial over his arrest at the city's immigration court last fall.
Lander was one of several New York City elected officials detained at 26 Federal Plaza in June and September of 2025. They were all demanding access to ICE holding cells on the 10th floor.
Charges against Lander were later dropped for the June incident.
Lander was arrested and issued a citation on Sept. 18. Prosecutors accused Lander of causing a disturbance on federal property by allegedly intentionally blocking an elevator and ignoring warnings to move.
Lander's defense argued he and the other elected officials were there "to inspect condition of ICE holding cells. They did not go to block a means of access or obstruct ICE agents."
Lander testified in his own defense.
The judge sided with the defense, noting the group sat on the floor for more than 20 minutes without any officers telling them to move, and when they did tell them to move, warnings only lasted 30 seconds.
"On these facts the government has failed to prove it's case beyond a reasonable doubt," the judge said Thursday.
"I did not expect to be emotional. I did not feel in a lot of jeopardy. Had they found me guilty, I suspect I would have gotten community service. And yet, when you're sitting there, it really is moving to fell like it matters what happens," Lander said after the verdict.
The trial last just one day.
It comes as Lander campaigns to unseat Rep. Dan Goldman in New York's 10th Congressional District. They'll face off in the upcoming primary on June 23.
