Immigration judge orders deportation of NYC Council employee after ICE arrest, city leaders push back

"Today, Judge Conroy ordered the removal of Rafael Rubio, our City Council employee, from the United States. We are outraged and will continue to pursue every legal avenue to secure his release and ensure his case is properly heard on appeal."

"This is an affront to justice. A dedicated public servant with legal authorization to remain in the country, Rafael showed up for a routine immigration appointment and, despite following the rules, he was detained and has now been held for months."

"Federal officials said despite having no work authorization, Rubio Bohorquez was employed by the New York City council as a data analyst for roughly one year. DHS identified him as a Venezuelan criminal illegal alien who overstayed his visa."

Rafael Andres Rubio Bohorquez, 53, a data analyst employed by the New York City Council, was detained during an immigration appointment and identified by the Department of Homeland Security as a Venezuelan undocumented immigrant who overstayed his visa. An immigration judge ordered his deportation. City Council Speaker Julie Menin and Mayor Zohran Mamdani strongly disputed federal claims, asserting Rubio Bohorquez possessed legal authorization to remain and work in the United States. Menin condemned the ruling as a miscarriage of justice and pledged to appeal. Rubio Bohorquez entered on a B2 tourist visa in 2017, but officials claim he was cleared to remain until October 2026.

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