NYC Comptroller Brad Lander: 'Keep bearing witness, keep putting our bodies on the line'

[struggle4progress]

MSNBC
Aug 24, 2025

The Department of Homeland Security has carried out a wave of courthouse arrests in recent months – targeting migrants attending legally mandated hearings, a key step in the process of becoming documented U.S. citizens. “They are abiding by the law, and it’s our government that’s breaking it,” said New York City Comptroller Brad Lander, who has been accompanying immigrants to court. Dean Obeidallah echoed that concern. “If they don’t show up, they’ll get an order of deportation,” he said. “If they do show up, ICE is going to take them away.”