NYC Comptroller Opts For Trial On Obstruction After Arrest At 26 Federal Plaza ICE Protest

New York City Comptroller Brad Lander rejected a deferred prosecution deal and will go to trial on a misdemeanor obstruction charge stemming from his Sept. 18 arrest at ICE’s 26 Federal Plaza holding facility. Lander and several elected officials sought to inspect detainee conditions under a judge’s order; DHS criticized the action as endangering personnel. The case spotlights ongoing clashes between NYC officials and federal immigration authorities over enforcement and detention oversight.