A federal judge on Thursday acquitted former New York City Comptroller Brad Lander of a single misdemeanor charge related to his arrest last year at an immigration court facility in Manhattan, according to the ruling and court testimony.
Lander was arrested Sept. 18, 2025, along with about a dozen other elected officials after they refused to leave the 10th floor of a building housing an Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility. Prosecutors charged him with blocking a bank of elevators after he declined to exit the building.
The former comptroller pleaded not guilty and opted for a bench trial, which was held Thursday before U.S. District Judge Henry Ricardo. Lander testified that he had not intentionally blocked the elevators and would have moved if an officer had asked him to step aside. He said he was inside the building in his official capacity as city comptroller, seeking to inspect holding rooms for detainees.
Judge Ricardo said that video footage of the incident was consistent with Lander’s account. In his ruling, the judge said the video showed Lander appeared “tired and a bit resigned” and that his conduct did not indicate an intent to block the elevators.
“No offense to Mr. Lander,” the judge said, according to reports.
The acquittal brings a formal close to the criminal case, which unfolded against a backdrop of heightened scrutiny of ICE operations and elected officials’ access to immigration detention facilities. Lander and other officials had argued they were exercising oversight responsibilities when they entered the building.
The misdemeanor charge carried a potential penalty of up to one year in jail and a fine. Lander served as New York City comptroller from 2022 until earlier this year, when he left office.