Mamdani Expresses Outrage Over NYC Council Employee’s ICE Detention
A New York City Council employee was recently detained during a routine immigration appointment in Bethpage, Nassau County. This incident has been met with strong outrage from city officials. Mayor Zohran Mamdani described the detention as an “egregious government overreach,” asserting that it threatens the core values of democracy.
Mamdani’s Statement of Outrage
Mayor Mamdani expressed his discontent through social media, stating, “This is an assault on our democracy, on our city, and our values.” He called for the immediate release of the detained employee and pledged to monitor the situation closely.
Details of the Detention
The detained employee, whose identity has not been disclosed for privacy reasons, had worked as a data analyst for the city council for about a year. According to NYC Council Speaker Julie Menin, he was taken into custody by federal immigration officials during a court appointment on Monday.
Immediate Steps Taken
- The employee contacted the council’s human resources department using his allowed phone call to report his detention.
- Menin confirmed that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) stated he was detained with no additional explanation.
- The employee is currently held at a detention center in Manhattan.
Legal Status and Support
The employee has legal authorization to remain in the U.S. until October. Congressman Dan Goldman noted that he is a “law-abiding immigrant with work authorization” of Venezuelan descent. Goldman emphasized that there were no grounds for arrest apart from the employee’s immigration status.
Actions from Government Officials
- Congressman Goldman stated, “We will continue to fight this.”
- New York Attorney General Letitia James demanded the staffer’s release, declaring, “We will not stand for attacks on our city.”
The NYC Council is actively advocating for the release of the detained employee. Both local officials and community leaders are calling for an end to what they describe as an immigration dragnet that affects innocent individuals.
