New York City Council Employee Arrested Amid Immigration Controversy

Tue Jan 13 2026 23:17:20 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Rafael Andres Rubio Bohorquez, a City Council employee, was arrested by ICE for immigration violations, igniting protests and discussions about immigration policies in New York City.

The arrest of Rafael Andres Rubio Bohorquez, employed by New York City Council, has prompted outrage among city officials, with claims of overreach by the ICE. While officials assert he was authorized to work until October, the ICE maintains he had overstayed his visa. Protests occurred outside the Manhattan detention center where he is held, highlighting tensions over immigration enforcement and broader implications for immigrant rights in the U.S.

NEW YORK (AP) — The arrest of a New York City Council employee during a crackdown by the Trump administration has sparked anger among local officials and prompted protests at the Manhattan detention center where he is being held. Rafael Andres Rubio Bohorquez, who reportedly overstayed a tourist visa, was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) following an immigration appointment in Long Island.

City Council Speaker Julie Menin defended Rubio Bohorquez, asserting that he was legally authorized to work in the U.S. until October. Menin expressed her outrage at the arrest, calling it egregious government overreach, and noted that Rubio Bohorquez had cleared standard background checks confirming he had no arrests.

Menin and New York Congressman Dan Goldman have initiated legal steps to secure his release. Mayor Zohran Mamdani expressed strong disapproval, labeling the arrest as an assault on our democracy and values. The community gathered to protest the actions of ICE, highlighting fears surrounding immigration policies.

Rubio Bohorquez, originally from Venezuela, was employed as a data analyst for approximately a year, with a salary reported at $129,315. While advocates contend that he had work authorization, ICE has claimed otherwise, citing his immigration violation. The ongoing debate raises questions about the accuracy of employment eligibility verification systems, such as E-Verify, amidst broader discussions on immigration reform in the United States.