NYC Council employee arrest prompts protests and a dispute over work authorization

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested a New York City Council employee during an immigration check, and city officials say they have filed a petition seeking his release while disputing claims about his work authorization.

A New York City Council employee was arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, drawing protests outside a Manhattan detention center and public statements from city leaders. ICE said the man, identified as Rafael Andres Rubio Bohorquez, overstayed a B2 tourist visa and had a prior arrest. City Council Speaker Julie Menin and other officials disputed the ICE account and said they are working to secure his release. Legal and immigrant advocacy groups have filed papers in court on his behalf. Known developments: - ICE confirmed the employee's name and said he had entered the U.S. in 2017 on a B2 visa and was required to leave that year, and that he had a prior arrest for assault. - City officials, including Speaker Julie Menin and Mayor Zohran Mamdani, disputed ICE's account, said the employee was authorized to work until October, and said they are seeking his release. - The employee was detained during an immigration appointment in Bethpage on Long Island and was being held at a Manhattan detention center, where a protest took place. - The article notes disputes over work authorization can arise from limits in the E-Verify system; a 2021 Inspector General review said the system cannot ensure accurate employment-eligibility results until shortcomings are addressed. Summary: The arrest has prompted public protests and a dispute between federal immigration authorities and New York City officials about the employee's authorization to work. A petition has been filed asking a court to order his release; the timing of any court action is undetermined at this time.