NYC Democatic mayoral candidate Brad Lander arrested by federal agents at immigration court

New York City comptroller and Democratic New York City mayoral candidate Brad Lander was arrested Tuesday by federal agents at an immigration court in Manhattan.

Lander had been observing immigration court hearings and told The Associated Press that he was going to “accompany” some immigrants out of the building.

Lander’s wife, Meg Barnette, said at a press conference following his arrest that her husband had tried to link arms with a man after his immigration court hearing when “we were swarmed by a number of federal agents.”

“They said, ‘You’re obstructing,’” she said. “I was shoved out of the way.”

Before Lander was handcuffed, agents tried to physically separate him from the man whom they were there to detain. Lander attempted to stay close to the detainee before being pulled away.

“I’m not obstructing, I’m standing right here in the hallway,” Lander said as he was being handcuffed.

“You don’t have the authority to arrest U.S. citizens asking for a judicial warrant,” he added as he was led away down a hallway and into an elevator.

One officer who led Lander away wore a tactical vest labeled “federal agent” while others were in plainclothes, with surgical masks over their faces.

Lander’s campaign said in a statement, “While escorting a defendant out of immigration court at 26 Federal Plaza, Brad was taken by masked agents and detained by ICE.”

The arrest comes as federal immigration agents have been going to courthouses for immigration hearings to detain illegal immigrants.

The Democratic primary election for New York City mayor is on June 24, but early voting is currently underway.