NEW YORK — A New York City Council staffer detained by federal immigration authorities earlier this year has been ordered deported, a city official said Wednesday.
City Council Speaker Julie Menin said an immigration judge ruled that Rafael Rubio Bohorquez must leave the United States. She said the city will appeal the decision and continue efforts to keep him in the country.
Today, a federal immigration judge wrongfully ordered the deportation of our Council employee, Rafael Rubio.
We demand that ICE immediately release Rafael from federal detention and return him home.
Rafael had legal authorization to work here and today’s decision is a…
— Speaker Julie Menin (@SpeakerMenin) March 18, 2026
Rubio Bohorquez, a Venezuelan national, was taken into custody in January during a scheduled immigration appointment on Long Island. His legal status has been disputed, with his attorney arguing he was authorized to live and work in the U.S., while federal officials contend otherwise.
Menin said the employee had complied with immigration procedures and criticized the outcome, calling it unjust. The case has drawn attention as part of broader debates over immigration enforcement and protections for individuals with temporary status.
This deportation order is outrageous.
Rafael Rubio is a @NYCCouncil employee. He is legally permitted to be in the country, but was still met with this unjust detainment at a routine check-in.
He followed the law. He should be released.https://t.co/gB7C3rbfbc
— NY AG James (@NewYorkStateAG) March 18, 2026