Deportation of Ex-New York City Council Employee Sparks Outrage
An immigration judge has mandated the deportation of a former employee of the New York City Council, identified by federal authorities in January as an undocumented immigrant with a record of assault arrests.
City Council President Julie Menin expressed her dismay regarding the deportation ruling on Wednesday, labeling it a “miscarriage of justice” and pledging to pursue an appeal.
Two months prior, Rafael Andres Rubio Bojórquez, 53, was taken into custody by immigration officials, who classified him as a “criminal illegal alien” after he exceeded his visa’s validity.
Federal representatives assert that Rubio Bojórquez served as a data analyst for approximately a year at the New York City Council without a valid work permit.
Local leaders, including Mayor Zoran Mamdani and Menin, have strongly contested the claims made by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), insisting that Rubio Bojórquez had legal authorization to stay in the United States, which included the right to work.
“Today, Judge Conroy ordered the removal of City Council employee Rafael Rubio from the United States,” Menin stated. “We are outraged and will continue to explore all legal options to secure his release and ensure his case receives proper review in the appellate court.”
“This is a blow to justice,” Mamdani remarked in a post to social media. “Mr. Rafael, a dedicated public servant with legal permission to be here, was detained while attending a routine immigration check, and has now been held for several months.”
DHS claims that Rubio Bojórquez came to the United States on a B2 tourist visa in 2017 but was expected to leave within the same year. Menin argued that he has been granted permission to remain until October 2026.
She mentioned that the entry order was a result of a “technical error” tied to his asylum application. The employee supposedly discovered a missing signature on his documentation, which he was not allowed to correct. His lawyer noted that fixing this issue would only take about an hour, according to reports.
“Today’s ruling seems to hinge on procedural concerns related to his asylum claim,” Menin added. “It’s quite troubling. A person who followed the rules and posed no threat should not have their future dictated by a technicality.”
Local officials indicated their intention to appeal the decision and called for the immediate release of Rubio Bojórquez while legal proceedings unfold.
“Let me be clear: Rafael should not remain detained during this process,” Menin asserted. “An appeal will be submitted, and we insist that Mr. Rafael’s case be heard appropriately before the April 17 deadline. At the very least, he should be released while this appeal is pending. There’s no reason to keep him detained under these conditions.”
Efforts to reach out to DHS for further information are ongoing.
