New York Governor Kathy Hochul has issued a strong condemnation of the arrest of Rafael Andres Rubio Bohorquez, a New York City Council data analyst taken into ICE detention. In her State of the State address, Hochul called out the severity of the situation, stating that analysts like Bohorquez are not typically considered a threat to society.
Hochul's comments came on the heels of widespread criticism from state and local officials, who have joined together in calling for Bohorquez's release. City Council Speaker Julie Menin and Mayor Zohran Mamdani have both publicly denounced the arrest, with Menin describing it as an "assault on our democracy" and Mamdani stating that he is "outraged" by the situation.
The controversy surrounding Bohorquez's detention centers on his immigration status. According to the Department of Homeland Security, Bohorquez had no work authorization or legal immigration status at the time of his arrest, despite having been authorized to live and work in the US until October 2026 through a temporary protected status (TPS) designation.
However, a spokesperson for the City Council has confirmed that Bohorquez provided documentation showing he was cleared to remain and work in the country. Additionally, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services website indicates that those with TPS-related work permits issued before February 5, 2025, will maintain valid work authorization until October 2, 2026.
Bohorquez's lawyer has filed a habeas petition on his behalf, while over two dozen City Council members and staffers have come out in support of his release. The city's leaders are united in their demand for Bohorquez to be released from ICE detention, with State Attorney General Letitia James stating that "we will not stand for attacks on our city, its public servants, and its residents."
The Orange County jail is currently holding Bohorquez, according to ICE's online detainee locator. His union representatives are calling for his immediate release, stating that he simply wants to make a living like any other New Yorker.
As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how ICE will respond to the mounting pressure from local officials and residents alike. One thing is clear, however: Rafael Andres Rubio Bohorquez's detention has become a rallying cry for advocates of immigrant rights in New York City.
Hochul's comments came on the heels of widespread criticism from state and local officials, who have joined together in calling for Bohorquez's release. City Council Speaker Julie Menin and Mayor Zohran Mamdani have both publicly denounced the arrest, with Menin describing it as an "assault on our democracy" and Mamdani stating that he is "outraged" by the situation.
The controversy surrounding Bohorquez's detention centers on his immigration status. According to the Department of Homeland Security, Bohorquez had no work authorization or legal immigration status at the time of his arrest, despite having been authorized to live and work in the US until October 2026 through a temporary protected status (TPS) designation.
However, a spokesperson for the City Council has confirmed that Bohorquez provided documentation showing he was cleared to remain and work in the country. Additionally, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services website indicates that those with TPS-related work permits issued before February 5, 2025, will maintain valid work authorization until October 2, 2026.
Bohorquez's lawyer has filed a habeas petition on his behalf, while over two dozen City Council members and staffers have come out in support of his release. The city's leaders are united in their demand for Bohorquez to be released from ICE detention, with State Attorney General Letitia James stating that "we will not stand for attacks on our city, its public servants, and its residents."
The Orange County jail is currently holding Bohorquez, according to ICE's online detainee locator. His union representatives are calling for his immediate release, stating that he simply wants to make a living like any other New Yorker.
As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how ICE will respond to the mounting pressure from local officials and residents alike. One thing is clear, however: Rafael Andres Rubio Bohorquez's detention has become a rallying cry for advocates of immigrant rights in New York City.
this is getting crazy! ICE detaining some1 who's basically just trying to make a living in the city 
like everyone else... what's the logic behind holding him? 
his lawyer said he had all the docs to prove he was legit, and even the gov't website says that people with TPS work permits are good to go until 2026 
it's not like he's hurting anyone. the fact that so many city officials are speaking out against this is amazing - let's show ICE that we won't stand for this kind of treatment 
.
I'm literally shocked that a data analyst from NYC got taken away by ICE just because he doesn't have the right paperwork 
. Like, what's the point of even having TPS if it's not being respected? 
I mean, come on, who needs a visa to work in their own country? 
The fact that his union reps are calling for his immediate release is totally fair and the city should do everything they can to support him 
. We need more people speaking out against these ICE detentions and advocating for immigrant rights 
this is so messed up -ICE detaining some guy who was supposed to be good to go for another year or so 
and now it's all over the news and I gotta wonder what kinda paperwork got lost in the shuffle 
or maybe just someone didn't read it right 
but seriously, a data analyst from NYC shouldn't have to deal with this stress -he was just trying to do his job like everyone else 
I mean, if Rafael's detention is seen as an assault on our democracy, then what does that say about the values we're trying to uphold here. Is it okay for someone to lose their livelihood just because they don't have the right papers? It makes me wonder... do we prioritize freedom over security or vice versa? 
. he's a data analyst for the city council, can you even imagine? and now he's stuck in some ice detention center because of some technicality with his immigration status 
. it's just not right. i'm literally shaking with anger thinking about how this could happen to someone who's just trying to make ends meet. letitia james and all those city council members are right, we won't stand for attacks on our city and its residents 
. we need to do better, you know? 
What's next? Going after all the people who are just trying to make a living in this crazy country? 
. It's also wild that two dozen city council members are backing him up - talk about unity! 
. And honestly, I'm loving all the solidarity from City Council members and staffers – it's amazing to see unity like this! 
We can't let fear or misconceptions dictate who we welcome into our communities 
. Let's keep pushing for change and making a difference in people's lives 
.
). Seriously though, this is what happens when you're a target just because of your immigration status... it's so unfair! 
! The whole situation with Rafael's arrest just shows how unfair and system-crazy it can get for immigrants living in the US 
I'm seriously considering moving to New York City so I can support Rafael in his fight against ICE. We need more people speaking out against this kind of injustice!