New York judge acquits progressive congressional candidate of obstructing ICE

A federal judge in New York has cleared Brad Lander, a progressive congressional candidate and former city auditor, of charges of obstructing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. The ruling came on Thursday, concluding a case stemming from his arrest in September 2025.

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the government has not demonstrated its arguments

Lander was detained at the controversial 26 Federal Plaza, a building that houses an immigration court and ICE detention facilities. His arrest occurred during a protest concerning the conditions of detainees. Lander, who has frequently visited the building to support immigrants and denounce ICE actions, refused to plead guilty to the minor charge of obstructing an elevator and opted for a trial.

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there is no proof that anyone tried to exit the elevator

During the trial, Lander's defense argued that the prosecution represented an attempt by the current administration to suppress dissent. Lander himself testified, stating that he and other politicians felt it was their duty to monitor activity at the building. He explained that they sat on the floor to await entry, which allegedly blocked access to an elevator.

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the case was 'another example of the suppression of disagreement by the current Administration'

Judge Henry Ricardo ultimately acquitted Lander, ruling that the government failed to prove its case. The judge found no evidence of actual obstruction, noting that "there is no proof that anyone tried to exit the elevator." Lander, a progressive Democrat, is competing in the June 23 New York primaries to challenge incumbent Democratic Congressman Dan Goldman, who is backed by moderate party leaders. Lander, conversely, has secured support from prominent progressives, including New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Senators Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren.

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he and other politicians considered it their duty to monitor the activity in the controversial building