Members of the New York City Council on Tuesday demanded the release of an employee, identified as Venezuelan Rafael Andrés Rubio Bohorquez, who was detained when he went to an appointment with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Shouting ‘Abolish ICE’ slogans, councilmembers and employees, as well as union leaders, protested in front of an ICE headquarters in lower Manhattan.
Call for the release of Rafael Andrés Rubio Bohorquez
I am outraged to hear a New York City Council employee was detained in Nassau County by federal immigration officials at a routine immigration appointment. This is an assault on our democracy, on our city, and our values. I am calling for his immediate release and will continue…
– Major Zohran Kwame Mamdani (@NYCMayor) January 12, 2026
“We are here in solidarity, but more than that, we are demanding that our colleague be released; that all the disappeared be released; and that ICE understands that they are not welcome in New York City,” Councilwoman Carmen de la Rosa told NBC Channel 4.
“And that we will stand up to them and to the bullies in Washington who choose to make immigrant communities feel fear,” the councilwoman added.
According to the president of the municipal legislature, Julie Menin, the Venezuelan, a data analyst arrested on Monday, has legal authorization to remain in the U.S. until October of this year.
“After a City Hall staff member was detained by ICE yesterday while attending a routine immigration check, our offices moved immediately to coordinate with advocates from the Immigration Coalition and attorneys from the New York Legal Assistance Group who filed an emergency habeas corpus petition last night,” Menin said in a statement.
He further indicated that they have confirmed that Rafael Andres Rubio Bohorquez is still in New York,” which confirms that the habeas corpus petition was properly filed and prevents his expulsion until a court resolves his petition”.
He explained that as part of his application to work for the Council, the Venezuelan passed the background check that is performed on all job applicants.
“The Council has not been able to contact the staff member, but is working to contact his immigration advisor.
“We will continue to provide updates as needed,” the chairwoman of the city’s legislative body further noted.
For his part, Mayor Zohran Mamdani said in his X account after learning of the incident on Monday that the arrest of the municipal employee “is an attack against our democracy, our city and our values”.
In addition, Mamdani demanded his “immediate” release, a demand also joined by the state attorney general, Letitia James.
“This is exactly what happens when immigration enforcement is used as a weapon. Detaining people during routine court appearances does not make us safer,” said Governor Kathy Hochul.
“It erodes trust, spreads fear and violates basic principles of fairness,” Governor Hochul added.
Filed under: Rafael Andrés Rubio Bohorquez
With information from EFE
