RELEASE: NYC New Liberals Respond to the Release of Comptroller Brad Lander from ICE Custody
NEW YORK, N.Y. – In a statement from NYC New Liberals President Tim Burke, the organization is responding to the news of his release from ICE custody, and condemning ICE’s actions today:
“Today’s arrest of NYC Comptroller Brad Lander by masked ICE agents, for the simple action of asking to see a warrant, was a blatant violation of basic constitutional principles. The right to speak out, to demand transparency from government agents, and to advocate for others in public spaces is protected by the First Amendment. We are relieved to hear the news that he has just been released from ICE custody, but he should never have been detained in the first place.”
“This incident should alarm every American. The sight of federal agents in tactical gear dragging away an elected official for demanding a judicial warrant should chill every American. This was not law enforcement; it was blatant authoritarianism. ICE is increasingly operating like a domestic secret police, more Gestapo than government agency. Every elected official and candidate in New York, New Yorkers, and all Americans must continue to stand up and confront this threat to American democracy.”
About the NYC New Liberals
The New York City New Liberals are a grassroots coalition of pragmatic liberals dedicated to advancing a society of abundance anchored in human freedom and agency. We are dedicated to furthering our abundance agenda in the NYC Metro Area by liberalizing housing, enhancing mobility options, promoting common sense immigration reform, embracing technological innovation, and increasing access to markets. We strive for efficient, accountable, and accessible public institutions that secure individual rights and participation in democratic processes.
The NYC New Liberals are a local chapter of the Center for New Liberalism, a digital-first grassroots organization dedicated to fighting for liberalism during the age when it is most under attack.
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Media Inquiries: Tobin Stone
tobin@cnliberalism.org | (402) 619-7744