Democratic officials in New York were arrested on September 18, 2025, while protesting at an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) holding facility in Manhattan. The protest focused on the detention of individuals, including a convicted drug trafficker and a confirmed member of the MS-13 gang. Approximately a dozen elected officials staged a sit-in at the facility, demanding access to detainees, which led to their arrests alongside nearly 80 other individuals.
According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the protest escalated chaos at 26 Federal Plaza, resulting in a bomb threat that forced a lockdown of the building. DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin criticized the actions of the protesters, particularly singling out New York City Comptroller Brad Lander, who allegedly obstructed law enforcement efforts during the event. McLaughlin stated, “Brad Lander showed up to 26 Federal Plaza unannounced with agitators and media and proceeded to obstruct law enforcement and cause a scene.”
Among those detained at the facility were individuals with serious criminal backgrounds, including one confirmed MS-13 gang member convicted of criminal possession of a weapon and another illegal migrant convicted of drug trafficking. Notably, a detainee was reportedly apprehended with 2 kilograms of fentanyl, a substance valued at hundreds of thousands of dollars, which poses a serious risk to public safety.
The protest drew attention not only for its scale but also for the history of some participants. This incident is not the first time that Lander has faced legal issues related to ICE operations. He was previously arrested in June during his campaign for mayor, accused of physically assaulting DHS officers at the same location. His bid for the Democratic nomination ultimately fell short against Zohran Mamdani, a self-described democratic socialist.
The Manhattan facility, which also houses an immigration court and the FBI’s New York field office, has recently faced scrutiny. A judge appointed by former President Bill Clinton issued a preliminary injunction requiring immigration officials to provide improved space and conditions for detainees.
McLaughlin condemned the rhetoric surrounding the protests, asserting that it contributes to a significant rise in assaults against ICE officers. She stated, “This type of rhetoric is contributing to the 1000% surge in assaults of ICE officers through this repeated vilification and demonization of ICE.”
The protests echo similar incidents involving Democratic officials across the country. In May, Newark Mayor Ras Baraka faced arrest for trespassing at an immigration detention center, highlighting a pattern of confrontations between elected officials and immigration enforcement agencies. Additionally, New Jersey Rep. LaMonica McIver was indicted for allegedly obstructing immigration officers during that confrontation.
As these events unfold, the debate surrounding immigration enforcement and the actions of local leaders continues to attract national attention, raising questions about the balance between advocacy and law enforcement.
