A former New York City comptroller appeared in federal court on Wednesday to face trial over an elevator obstruction violation stemming from his arrest at a Manhattan immigration facility last September.
Brad Lander, who previously served as the city’s comptroller and ran unsuccessfully for mayor in 2024, chose to contest the low-level violation despite facing no potential jail time. The charges stem from an incident on September 18, 2025, when Lander was arrested at 26 Federal Plaza while attempting to inspect immigrant holding rooms.
The violation is so minor that Lander was not entitled to a jury trial. Instead, a federal magistrate judge presided over the bench trial and is expected to issue a verdict Thursday morning.
During opening statements, defense attorney Michael Bass emphasized the broader implications of the case despite its seemingly minor nature. Bass characterized the arrest as an example of political suppression, arguing that his client’s actions were part of legitimate oversight duties rather than criminal obstruction.
Prosecutor Ariel Cohen presented the government’s case as a straightforward matter of whether Lander unreasonably obstructed elevator access on the 10th floor of the federal building. Video evidence from the incident showed Lander and other elected officials seated on the floor near a banner reading “NYers against ICE,” chanting “We shall not be moved” until their arrest.
The defense argued that Lander never actually blocked anyone from using the elevators and would have moved if someone had needed to pass. State Senator Julia Salazar, who was arrested alongside Lander that day, testified that people could have walked around them to access the elevators.
Taking the stand in his own defense, Lander maintained he was at the facility in his official capacity as an elected official to assess conditions that had been criticized by detainees. He testified that his purpose was to wait until authorities allowed him to inspect the 10th floor, not to obstruct elevator access or restrict movement.
“Of course I would have moved,” Lander stated when asked if he would have accommodated someone trying to use the elevator.
The prosecution called two witnesses: John Melecio, the field office manager for 26 Federal Plaza, who testified it would be difficult for someone to exit the elevators if they were blocked, and Clifford Steichen, a Federal Protective Service senior inspector who arrested Lander.
This was not Lander’s first arrest at the facility. Months earlier, he had been detained while attempting to escort someone out of immigration court through a group of immigration agents, though no charges were filed in that incident.
The trial comes as Lander campaigns for Congress, challenging incumbent Dan Goldman for New York’s 10th Congressional District. Polls show Lander leading in the Democratic primary race, positioning himself to Goldman’s left on issues including Israel policy and corporate political contributions.
Following the six-hour proceedings, Lander expressed confidence outside the courthouse, telling reporters his legal team had systematically dismantled the prosecution’s case. While the violation itself carries no jail time, Lander’s decision to go to trial reflects his stated goal of using the legal proceedings to obtain information about immigration enforcement operations through the discovery process.
The facility at 26 Federal Plaza has faced scrutiny over conditions in its immigrant holding areas. Recent court proceedings revealed internal communications among officials discussing health concerns in the overcrowded facility.
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