NEW YORK CITY (PIX11) — A judge has decided to deport Rafael Rubio Bohorquez, a New York City Council employee arrested by ICE, City Council Speaker Julie Menin said Wednesday afternoon.
Menin said the city will file an appeal and pursue “every legal avenue” to keep him in the country.
“This outcome does not change the fundamental facts of this case: Rafael had legal authorization to remain in the United States, he followed the rules, and he showed up for a routine immigration appointment — only to be detained and held for months now,” Menin said.
Bohorquez was detained at a routine hearing on Long Island in January. ICE officials say he did not have proper work authorization, but Bohorquez’s attorney told PIX11 News he does have legal status to live and work in the United States.
Bohorquez is from Venezuela. He entered the United States in 2017 on a tourist visa and later received Temporary Protected Status, known as TPS, allows recipients to legally live and work in the United States.
Last year, the Trump administration ended TPS protections for Venezuelans. However, many TPS holders, including Bohorquez, continued to hold valid work permits that remain active through October 2026.
Emily Rahhal is a digital reporter who has covered New York City since 2023 after reporting in Los Angeles for years. She joined PIX11 in 2024. See more of her work here and follow her on Twitter here.
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