Lander Claims Most ICE Detainees Had No Criminal Charges
New York candidate says most people detained by ICE had no criminal record and calls for release of Oscar Belgal.
2 min read
During Friday’s broadcast of MS NOW’s “11th Hour,” New York Democratic U.S. House nominee Brad Lander addressed the growing controversy surrounding Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations. Lander stated that the majority of individuals detained, abducted, and deported by ICE had no criminal charges, and instead were subject to civil enforcement actions. He emphasized that many of these cases lacked the legal justification and due process that should accompany such actions.
Call for Release of Oscar Belgal
Lander also called for the release of Oscar Belgal, a man who was shot by ICE agents in New York. Belgal, who has a criminal record, was in ICE custody at the time of the incident. Lander argued that Belgal did not pose a public safety threat and that the circumstances of his detention were questionable. He said, “We want Oscar released from ICE custody, and we want ICE out of New York City.”
Later in the broadcast, Lander reiterated his concerns about the use of force by ICE agents. He pointed out that in several cases, ICE agents have conducted raids without presenting judicial warrants, which he described as a significant issue. “Again, this arrest by people in fake construction gear, they did not present a judicial warrant,” Lander said. He added that the actions of ICE agents have led to unnecessary risks to public safety, including threats to the lives of children.
Focus on Civil Enforcement
Lander’s remarks drew attention to the broader debate about the role of ICE in enforcing immigration laws. While the agency is tasked with removing individuals who have committed crimes, Lander argued that the majority of those detained do not fall into that category. Instead, he suggested that many of the cases involve civil immigration enforcement, which should be handled differently. “Of course, there was all this rhetoric about the worst of the worst,” he said, “but the significant majority of people that have been abducted, detained, and deported by ICE had no criminal charges, simply civil enforcement.”
Lander’s comments align with growing concerns about the transparency and accountability of ICE operations. His call for the release of Belgal and his broader critique of the agency’s methods reflect a wider push for reform and greater oversight in immigration enforcement. As the debate continues, Lander’s stance highlights the need for a reevaluation of how ICE interacts with the public and the legal processes it follows.
Source: Breitbart
