A rising number of Democratic officials are being arrested or charged in connection with immigration-related protests and defiance, as US President Donald Trump’s enforcement agenda triggers sharp criticism and growing concern among party leaders.Democrats argue the arrests show Trump is dragging the country’s democracy to the edge. But for Trump’s supporters, the images of defiant politicians in handcuffs are exactly what they wanted.Meanwhile, the Trump administration continues to send military reinforcements to assist immigration enforcement in southern states and revive earlier workplace raids.Here’s a breakdown of who’s been detained or charged in recent weeks:
Brad Lander: Arrested outside immigration court
New York City Comptroller and Democratic mayoral candidate Brad Lander was arrested Wednesday by federal agents outside an immigration court in Manhattan. Lander had reportedly been observing court proceedings when he linked arms with an immigrant facing detention. His peaceful act of protest was captured on camera and widely circulated. It has become one of the most symbolic arrests yet under Trump’s revived crackdown on undocumented migrants. Lander’s team insists the arrest was politically motivated.
Alex Padilla: Removed from press event
Senator Alex Padilla was dragged away in handcuffs from a Homeland Security press conference in Los Angeles last week after attempting to ask a question. Though he was not arrested, the footage of his removal spread rapidly online. Days later, Padilla denounced Trump on the Senate floor, calling him a “tyrant”.
LaMonica McIver: Charged after ICE protest
Representative LaMonica McIver was arrested on June 10 during a protest outside an ICE detention facility in Newark. She has been indicted for allegedly interfering with federal immigration officers. McIver, who had been protesting alongside Mayor Ras Baraka, is expected to plead not guilty. The case has attracted significant attention, especially since it follows a wave of protests in Democrat-run cities.
Hannah Dugan: Judge indicted for obstruction
Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Hannah Dugan was arrested on April 25 and formally indicted on May 13. Federal prosecutors accuse her of attempting to help an undocumented immigrant avoid arrest. Dugan has pleaded not guilty. Her case has alarmed many in the legal community, raising concerns about judicial independence. Dugan has yet to publicly comment in detail, but her legal team has argued that her actions were misrepresented and that she did not break any laws.
Ras Baraka: Mayor arrested at ICE facility
Newark Mayor Ras Baraka was arrested on May 9 during a protest against immigration detentions at an ICE centre. He joined demonstrators in blocking the entrance to the facility before being taken into custody. The case against him was later dropped, but the event has fuelled tensions between local officials and federal agents. The Trump administration recently reversed course on earlier limits, saying it would again carry out raids on farms, hotels, meatpacking plants and restaurants. The Pentagon confirmed an additional 700 military personnel have been deployed to assist immigration efforts in Florida, Louisiana and Texas. Trump’s team continues to dismiss the arrests as “viral moment” attempts, but Democratic leaders see a deeper threat to democratic norms.
