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John, my trial in federal court was supposed to be today, but it was delayed until June based on new evidence that the government tried to hide from us.
With the morning freed up on my calendar, I went back to 26 Federal Plaza/290 Broadway for another immigration court-watching shift. I thought I’d give you an update on where things stand.
I started court-watching early last June, when ICE agents started abducting asylum-seekers who had showed up for their hearings. On my third shift, I was arrested while accompanying Edgardo (who was then cycled through 7 different detention facilities before being deported). But I kept showing up weekly, along with a growing movement of New Yorkers.
Last September 18th, on one of those visits, I was arrested again, along with 75 New Yorkers, who were downstairs blocking access for ICE’s vans as they were transporting people they had abducted, and 10 other elected officials, as we demanded access to the 10th floor of 26 Federal Plaza.
The goal of our action was to bring attention to ICE turning a standard immigration court into a detention trap for immigrants trying to do the right thing and follow their court dates — and especially to the hideous conditions that detainees were reporting on the 10th floor at that time.
In December, I pleaded "not guilty" (instead of taking a plea deal that would have required that I not engage in civil disobedience in a federal building for six months) because I’m not guilty of the alleged charge of “unreasonably obstructing the usual use” of 26 Federal Plaza. The crime, the “unreasonable obstruction,” is what ICE is doing on the other side of the door.
John, we must not be afraid of this fascist President or his rogue ICE agents. Instead, we must stand up fearlessly to bear witness and protect our immigrant neighbors. That's why I started bearing witness last June, and that’s why I’m taking this case to trial.
It’s been very dark to watch these abductions and family separations over the past year. But it’s been inspiring to see a movement grow in New York City, in Minneapolis, and all across the country to fight back — with the tools of nonviolent civil resistance.
That’s why I used this morning to do another court-watching shift, along with dozens of other volunteers. And it’s why I’ll be joining Hands Off NYC for a rally they’re having at 26 Federal Plaza at noon tomorrow. And why I’ll keep showing up, regardless of the outcome of my trial. We cannot back down in the face of ICE and Trump.
Thank you for all your support in this process. This trial is an example of the exact kind of fight you can expect from me as your next Congressman, but I need your help. My campaign isn't taking money from corporate lobbyists or PACS — Can you chip in today to help us unseat him and bring our grassroots fight straight to Donald Trump? [[link removed]]
CHIP IN [[link removed]]
In solidarity,
Brad
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Brad is an organizer who brings neighbors together to win big fights, and a problem-solver who gets things done.
He’s been fighting for his neighbors for decades – as a dad, a housing organizer, our City Councilmember, and our Comptroller. He’s a proven legislator whose laws deliver for working people. In Congress, he’ll fight for all of us.
Brad is running for Congress because at this urgent moment, we need leaders who will fight, not fold.
Fight against an authoritarian federal government that is abducting our neighbors.
Fight for a New York that is affordable and welcoming for everyone.
Fight for an economy that isn’t stacked against us.
Fight to make government actually deliver on the promise of the American dream.
Prefer to donate via mail? Address a check to:
Lander for Congress
485 Atlantic Ave.
Brooklyn, NY 11217
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PAID FOR BY LANDER FOR CONGRESS
LANDER FOR CONGRESS
485 Atlantic Ave.
Brooklyn, NY 11217
United States
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