New York Governor Kathy Hochul has vocally opposed the recent arrest of Rafael Andres Rubio Bohorquez, a New York City Council data analyst, who was detained by ICE during what was supposed to be a routine immigration appointment. Hochul underscored her stance during her State of the State address, questioning the severity of the enforcement action. "Is that person really a threat?" Hochul said, as reported by Gothamist. She pledged to "do whatever it takes to protect New Yorkers from criminals," but also highlighted that the situation has "gone too far."
Mayor Zohran Mamdani joined Hochul in condemning the detention, asserting to have been "outraged" by the apprehension of Bohorquez. "This is an assault on our democracy, on our city, and our values," Mamdani stated in a release captured by ABC News. He went on to call for Bohorquez's immediate release and pledged to "continue to monitor the situation." This sentiment was echoed by other city officials, including NYC Council Speaker Julie Menin, who, in a press briefing, said, "On the contrary, he was a city council employee who is doing everything right."
Amidst the controversy, questions about Bohorquez's immigration status and authorization to work in the United States have surfaced. According to a press conference statement by Menin, the staffer had legal authorization to live and work in the U.S. until October 2026. This conflicts with the claims from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin stating that Bohorquez had no such authorizations since overstaying a tourist visa in 2017. Menin, however, indicated that Bohorquez had furnished documentation proving his authorization and had passed all necessary background checks.
Adding to the complexity, McLaughlin also alleged that Bohorquez had an arrest record for assault, although no conviction details were provided. Meanwhile, Menin emphasized that the staffer had signed documents attesting to never being arrested. Lawyers from the New York Legal Assistance Group swiftly responded by filing a habeas petition, attempting to halt his removal from state custody until a court could resolve his case, as mentioned by city officials. This action underlines the city's commitment to challenge what they feel is an example of excessive immigration enforcement.
Demonstrations calling for Bohorquez's release materialized outside the ICE office on Varick Street, with more than two dozen City Council members and staffers demanding his freedom. Matt Molloy, president of the City Council staffers' union, told reporters, "Just like all of us, he wants to make this city work." ICE's online detainee locator indicates that Bohorquez is presently being held at the Orange County jail, as reported by Gothamist.
State Attorney General Letitia James has also entered the fray, demanding Bohorquez's immediate release and stating, "We will not stand for attacks on our city, its public servants, and its residents," according to a statement obtained by ABC News.
