NEW YORK (WABC) — Former New York City Comptroller Brad Lander appeared in Manhattan court Wednesday following his arrest at 26 Federal Plaza.
He pleaded not guilty to misdemeanor charges so he could question ICE operations under oath.
Lander was among a group of officials taken into custody in September 2025 while demanding access to detention cells.
“Someone for the past year has been unreasonably obstructing the usual use of 26 Federal Plaza as an immigration court hearing, but the guilty party is ICE, the guilty party is not us,” Lander said.
It’s not clear if the judge will rule from the bench on Wednesday. Lander is optimistic he will be vindicated, but says he will keep showing up for immigrants, regardless.
The trial comes ahead of primary Election Day later this month.
Lander is challenging incumbent Representative Dan Goldman for New York’s 10th congressional district.
