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Gardiner Anderson \/ New York Daily News via Getty Images<\/p>\n
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New York City Council member Chi Osse walks out of the NYPD 79th Precinct stationhouse on Tompkins Ave. in Brooklyn, New York after being released following his arrest during an eviction protest on Wednesday, April 22, 2026.<\/p>\n
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Key Takeaways<\/p>\n
Chi Oss\u00e9 was taken into custody during a Brooklyn demonstration tied to an alleged deed theft dispute involving a longtime resident.
\n He was reportedly charged with obstructing governmental administration and disorderly conduct after protesters did not comply with dispersal orders.
\n The incident has drawn renewed attention to deed theft complaints in New York City and proposals related to eviction protections for homeowners disputing property transfers.<\/p>\n
Council member Chi Oss\u00e9<\/a> was arrested Wednesday (April 22) after joining demonstrators in Bedford-Stuyvesant who were trying to stop the eviction of a longtime resident tied to an alleged deed theft case. The lawmaker, who represents the neighborhood, has been outspoken about housing justice and protecting Black homeowners from displacement.<\/p>\n Videos shared online showed tense moments outside the property as protesters gathered while city marshals prepared to carry out the eviction. In footage posted to his social media account, Oss\u00e9 is heard asking officers, \u201cWhat are you doing?\u201d as police moved in on another demonstrator. Moments later, officers grabbed the council member and took him to the ground before placing him in handcuffs.<\/p>\n According to POLITICO<\/a>, police charged Oss\u00e9 with one count of obstructing governmental administration and two counts of disorderly conduct. He was among five people arrested after authorities said protesters ignored commands to disperse.<\/p>\n After his release from the 79th Precinct, the 28-year-old said he was injured during the arrest.<\/p>\n \u201cI will absolutely be filing a misconduct report against the officers who slammed me on the ground. I urge the other folks who were taken into captivity to do the same,\u201d he told POLITICO. He also said his face was sore and that he felt \u201cdizzy\u201d after being \u201cmanhandled.\u201d<\/p>\n In a statement shared on social media during his detention, Oss\u00e9\u2019s office said he was arrested while defending constituent Carmella Charrington, who has lived in her home for six decades. The statement added, \u201cNot another Black homeowner<\/a> should have their home stolen. Until deed theft ends, we will fight every single day.\u201d<\/p>\n What is deed theft and why it matters in New York City?<\/p>\n Deed theft is a form of property fraud where ownership of a home is allegedly transferred without the true owner\u2019s consent, often through forged or misleading paperwork. It has become a growing concern across New York City, especially in communities of color. According to CBS News<\/a>, complaints to the New York Attorney General Letitia James\u2019s office jumped from 149 in 2023 to 517 in 2025. Officials say rising awareness may be part of the increase, but prosecutors have also warned the crime is becoming more common.<\/p>\n Oss\u00e9 has called on Gov. Kathy Hochul to create an eviction<\/a> moratorium for homeowners facing alleged deed theft disputes. After his arrest, he told reporters outside the precinct, \u201cThe ball is in the governor\u2019s court. She has the power to prevent this from happening again in the future,\u201d per POLITICO.<\/p>\n Who is Chi Oss\u00e9?<\/p>\n