DHS takes NYC Council worker into custody during Nassau County immigration meeting

Detention of NYC Council Employee by DHS Sparks Outrage

The Department of Homeland Security recently detained a New York City Council worker during an immigration check, which has raised significant concerns from Mayor Zoran Mamdani.

Rafael Andres Rubio Bojorquez, 53, reportedly overstayed his tourist visa from 2017, as per DHS records. Additionally, there are allegations regarding a past assault. Mamdani, along with other city officials, has called for Bojorquez’s release.

“I am outraged to hear that a New York City Council employee was detained by federal immigration agents during a routine immigration check in Nassau County,” Mamdani remarked. “This is an attack on our democracy, our city, and our values. I am calling for his immediate release and will continue to monitor the situation.”

In response, DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin defended the department’s actions, stating that detaining Bojorquez was entirely warranted.

“He had no legal right to be in the United States,” said McLaughlin. “Criminal illegal aliens are not welcome here. If you come to our country illegally and break our laws, we will find you and arrest you.”

New York City Council President Julie Menin held a press conference urging for the employee’s release, asserting that he had been authorized to remain in the U.S. until October 2026.

“DHS confirmed that this employee appeared for a routine court appointment but was detained nonetheless. They provided no other basis for his detention,” Menin explained. “On the contrary, he was a council officer who did everything right. He went to court when asked.”

Bojorquez has been employed as a data analyst for about a year, according to Menin. However, DHS maintains that he lacks authorization to work in the U.S.

New York State Attorney General Letitia James publicly supported calls for Bojorquez’s release. “We will not tolerate attacks on our city, public officials, and residents,” she posted.