Dem Politicians Arrested For Attempt To Storm NYC ICE Facility Packed With Illegal Criminals

Nearly a dozen Democratic officials were arrested by federal authorities on Thursday after attempting to storm Immigration and Customs Enforcement holding cells in New York City that were packed with egregious illegal immigrant criminals, according to the Department of Homeland Security.

New York City Comptroller Brad Lander, along with 10 other lawmakers, arrived at the ICE facility at 26 Federal Plaza. There, they engaged in an hour-long standoff with federal officers, sitting on the floor, chanting, and holding up a banner that read: “NYers against ICE,” according to The New York Times. Lander “yelled” out that he was ‘not leaving’ until detainees were ‘released,’” Assistant Homeland Security Secretary Tricia McLaughlin told The Daily Wire.

The clash played out in front of ICE cells holding an MS-13 gang member convicted of criminal possession of a weapon and DUI, along with illegal immigrants carrying convictions for criminal possession of a gun and drug trafficking, according to DHS.

Another illegal immigrant in the facility was previously arrested for flying drones near the White House multiple times, and one had enough fentanyl to kill a million people.

NEW: Per multiple ICE sources, NYC Comptroller Brad Lander & other politicians & protesters are currently trying to get into the 10th floor ICE office & holding cells at 26 Federal Plaza in NYC, while other protesters are blocking ICE vans from leaving the facility downstairs.… pic.twitter.com/v9YIufWDZ3

— Bill Melugin (@BillMelugin_) September 18, 2025

“Another day, another activist politician pulling a stunt in an attempt to get their 15 minutes of fame while endangering DHS personnel and detainees,” said McLaughlin.

“As a result of the chaos caused by Lander, Federal Protective Service called NYPD, and local police, along with federal law enforcement arrested 71 agitators and sanctuary politicians including Brad Lander, two New York State Senators, and nine New York State Assembly Members,” she added.

The building was subsequently placed “on lockdown because someone called in a bomb threat,” according to McLaughlin.

Happening NOW: New Yorkers Against ICE!

We are at 26 Federal Plaza, where ICE abducts immigrant New Yorkers, to demand access to the 10th floor and block ICE vans from leaving.

NYers refuse to stand by while ICE abducts our neighbors. Neither should our leaders. #ICEoutofNY pic.twitter.com/gmSahHkGbI

— Brad Lander (@bradlander) September 18, 2025

Lander, who was previously detained while allegedly trying to shield an illegal immigrant from ICE in June, expressed outrage over reported overcrowded and unsanitary conditions in the ICE cells, according to the Times.

“Brad Lander’s obsession with attacking the brave men and women of law enforcement, physically and rhetorically, must stop NOW. The men and women of ICE put their lives on the line every day to arrest violent criminal illegal aliens to protect and defend the lives of American citizens,” said McLaughlin.

“This type of rhetoric is contributing to the 1000% surge in assaults of ICE officers through this repeated vilification and demonization of ICE,” she added.

After he was released, Lander said the officials were charged with a misdemeanor for blocking access to entrances and corridors, according to the Times. Those arrested also included Julia Salazar, a state senator from Brooklyn; Gustavo Rivera, a state senator from the Bronx; and Emily Gallagher and Marcela Mitaynes, both assemblywomen from Brooklyn.