DOJ’s Silence on Lander’s Alleged Assault on ICE Officer Sparks Controversy

During the incident, Lander was seen clinging to ICE officers as they escorted a defendant out of immigration court at 26 Federal Plaza. He repeatedly asked officials if they had a judicial warrant for their actions. In the video, Lander insisted, ‘I will let go when you show me the judicial warrant!’ He continued to question the legal basis for the officers’ presence and actions.

As the officials struggled to separate Lander from the defendant, they ultimately proceeded to handcuff him, despite his repeated claims that he was not obstructing enforcement. After being detained, Lander was released from federal custody alongside New York Governor Kathy Hochul, who claimed the charges against him were dropped. However, the U.S. Attorney’s Office stated that the investigation was still ongoing and emphasized its commitment to ‘prosecuting violations of federal law.’

Meanwhile, the Department of Justice has remained silent on whether it is considering charges against Lander. In response to questions about the incident, a DOJ spokesperson simply stated, ‘Unfortunately, we are not able to provide any additional information.’ This silence has raised questions among political observers, with some suggesting that the DOJ’s inaction may be politically motivated.

The incident has sparked a broader debate over the role of political figures in law enforcement matters. Critics argue that Lander’s actions could have serious legal implications, while others believe that his behavior may have been a calculated political move. Political strategist Joe Borelli, a former New York City councilman and GOP operative, suggested that Lander’s arrest was a ‘staged event’ designed to generate media attention and bolster his political profile.

Additionally, the incident has been viewed as part of a larger pattern of alleged interference by Democratic politicians with federal law enforcement. DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin accused lawmakers such as Lander, Sen. Alex Padilla, and Newark Mayor Ras Baraka of intentionally disrupting ICE operations for ’15 minutes of fame.’ These accusations have further complicated the DOJ’s decision-making process regarding charges, as the agency continues to navigate the intersection of political influence and legal accountability.