The Department of Homeland Security disclosed new details after New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani condemned the arrest of a city council employee, identifying the man as an illegal alien with a prior assault arrest. DHS said the case raises serious questions about employment practices inside New York City government. The arrest quickly escalated into a political clash between federal authorities and city leaders.
DHS identified the employee as Rafael Andres Rubio Bohorquez, 53, a Venezuelan national. The agency said Rubio Bohorquez entered the United States in 2017 on a B2 tourist visa and failed to depart as required that same year. DHS stated that he has no work authorization and was illegally employed by the New York City Council despite his immigration status.
DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin called the situation “shocking.” She said, “This takes sanctuary city to a whole new level.” McLaughlin added, “This criminal illegal alien has no authority to be in the U.S. and has a previous arrest for assault. Under President Trump and Secretary Noem, the United States is no longer a safe haven for criminals.”
Mayor Mamdani demanded Rubio Bohorquez’s release, writing, “I am outraged to hear a New York City Council employee was detained in Nassau County by federal immigration officials at a routine immigration appointment.” He described the arrest as “an assault on our democracy, on our city and our values.”
City Council Speaker Julie Menin echoed those demands, claiming the employee had permission to remain in the country until October 2026. “On the contrary, he was a city council employee who is doing everything right,” Menin said.
New York Attorney General Letitia James also weighed in, stating, “We will not stand for attacks on our city, its public servants and its residents.” DHS continues to maintain the employee had no legal authorization to remain in the United States.
