NEW YORK (WABC) — Former New York City Comptroller Brad Lander was found not guilty of obstructing the elevators and elevator lobby while protesting in support of detained immigrants at 26 Federal Plaza last September.
Lander walked into court wearing a Knicks hat on Thursday and was expected to comment on the verdict.
He had 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.
Lander said that he would continue to show up for immigrants.
The trial came ahead of primary Election Day later this month.
Lander is challenging incumbent Representative Dan Goldman for New York’s 10th congressional district.
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