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John, I'm heading back to court tomorrow. Let's talk about it.
This is the same court case we've been dealing with throughout our campaign, so if you want to chip in now and skip the explanation, feel free to do so. [[link removed]] For the new folks (and those who just want to read it again 😅), here's what's going on:
I started court-watching early last June when ICE agents began abducting asylum-seekers who had shown 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 every week, I kept showing up, along with a growing movement of New Yorkers.
Last September 18th, on one of those visits, I was arrested again. So were 75 other New Yorkers who were downstairs blocking access for ICE’s vans as they were transporting people they had abducted. And so were 10 other elected officials as we demanded access to the 10th floor of 26 Federal Plaza after reports of grossly inhumane conditions.
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, tomorrow, we will finally get a verdict in this case. My trial date was originally set for last month, but after we uncovered a new witness with important evidence, it was pushed back to tomorrow ( in case you're curious, we spent our newfound free time on the original date court-watching, and have gone back multiple times since ). And whether the official ruling is innocent or guilty, the message is the same.
We cannot be afraid in the face of this fascist President and his rogue ICE agents. Instead, we must fight, not fold, and stand up fearlessly to bear witness and protect our immigrant neighbors. And when I get to Washington, I'm committed to continuing this work.
John, thank you for all your support through this process. I've literally put my body on the line to defend New Yorkers from ICE, and that's the exact type of commitment you can expect from me when I become your next Congressman. But over these last few weeks, I'm counting on your help to help me get the job done. Can you chip in to support my campaign today? [[link removed]]
CHIP IN [[link removed]]
Thank you,
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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