A federal immigration judge ordered the deportation of a New York City Council data analyst this week after determining he overstayed his tourist visa and abandoned his asylum application, sparking outrage from city officials who vow to fight the removal.
Council Employee Faces Deportation Order
Rafael Rubio Bohorquez, who worked as a data analyst for the New York City Council, received a deportation order Wednesday following a January detention by Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The Venezuelan national overstayed his tourist visa in 2017 and worked without proper authorization. According to the Department of Homeland Security, Bohorquez also has an arrest record for assault, though the case was later dismissed and expunged from his record.
ICE detained Bohorquez during a routine immigration appointment in January. The federal judge ruled his asylum application had been abandoned, clearing the way for removal proceedings. The Department of Homeland Security released a statement calling the ruling a victory for the rule of law and announced plans to expedite his return to Venezuela.
City Officials Voice Strong Opposition
New York City Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani condemned the deportation order on social media, calling it an affront to justice. He described Bohorquez as a dedicated public servant with legal authorization to remain in the country. City Council Speaker Julie Menin characterized the decision as cruel and inhumane, pledging to continue fighting in courts and through other channels. Menin demanded Bohorquez’s immediate release, stating the council would pursue every available avenue to reverse the decision.
Questions About Hiring Practices
The case raises questions about how Bohorquez secured employment with the City Council despite lacking work authorization. Federal law prohibits employers from hiring individuals without proper documentation. No information has been released regarding whether council officials knew about his immigration status at the time of hiring or what verification processes were followed. City Council members have not addressed these questions, focusing instead on their opposition to the deportation order and their plans to challenge it through legal channels.