Full Breakdown
Brad Lander Acquitted of Elevator Obstruction Charges After Immigration Detention Protest
6/12/2026, 12:51:02 AM
Core Event: Not Guilty Verdict
On June 11 2026, U.S. Magistrate Judge Henry J. Ricardo entered a not-guilty verdict for New York City comptroller Brad Lander on a misdemeanor charge of obstructing the use of an elevator and lobby at 26 Federal Plaza. The judge said the prosecution failed to prove intent.
Background & Context: Protest at 26 Federal Plaza
Following a May 2025 Manhattan court order that required DHS and ICE to improve conditions for detained immigrants, Lander, ten other elected officials and about 75 demonstrators entered the 10th-floor elevator lobby of 26 Federal Plaza—a building that houses ICE and immigration courts—to demand access to detention rooms. Their request was denied, and they stayed for 20-25 minutes before being arrested.
Timeline
Sept 18 2025 – arrest; June 10-11 2026 – bench trial; June 11 2026 – not-guilty verdict; June 23 2026 – primary.
Data & Statistics
Ten elected officials and about 75 protesters were detained; roughly 70 others were arrested by NYPD.
Official Statements & Responses
Judge Ricardo said the government failed to prove Lander’s intent to obstruct the elevators and noted his compliance with orders to stop banging on doors. Lander told reporters he was “genuinely moved by the rule of law,” praised his counsel and pledged to keep advocating for immigrant rights and equal court access. DHS declined comment; the U.S. Attorney’s Office offered no statement.
Criticism & Opposition
Prosecutors argued Lander intentionally blocked the elevator, citing his 20-minute sit-in and chanting “we shall not move” as evidence of motive and uncooperative behavior.
Why It Matters
The verdict highlights limits on protest inside federal facilities, underscores scrutiny of ICE detention practices, and may shape voter views as Lander runs for New York’s 10th Congressional District.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Prosecutors claimed intent to obstruct; the judge found no intent. Sources differ on the total arrested, citing 75 versus 70-plus demonstrators.
Verbatim Quotes
- “He seemed tired and he seemed a bit resigned to the situation,” — U.S. Magistrate Judge Henry J. Ricardo
- “I feel genuinely moved today by the rule of law — by the excellent legal counsel I had, by the thoughtful consideration by the judge, and by the simple knowledge that I could enter and leave the court safely,” — Brad Lander
- “All we want at 26 Federal Plaza is for everybody facing removal proceedings by our government to have the same access to the rule of law as I had in this trial.” — Brad Lander
- “On these facts the government has failed to prove it's case beyond a reasonable doubt,” — U.S. Magistrate Judge Henry J. Ricardo
What's Next
Lander will appear on the June 23 Democratic primary ballot and has said he will continue to protest ICE detention conditions regardless of the election outcome.
