NYC Council Fights for ICE Release of Detained Staffer

An employee of the New York City Council was detained on Monday by federal immigration officials while attending a court appointment in Bethpage, New York. This incident has raised significant concerns among city officials regarding federal overreach.

Detainment Details

The city council staffer, who is of Venezuelan descent, had legal authorization to remain in the United States until October 2026. Council Speaker Julie Menin confirmed that the individual was apprehended by ICE during the court visit and subsequently transported to the federal detention facility located on Varick Street in Manhattan.

Officials’ Reactions

Following the detention, Speaker Menin expressed her outrage in an emergency press conference held at City Hall. She called for immediate action from the federal government to secure the staffer’s release. “We demand swift and transparent action by the federal government on this apparent overreach,” Menin stated.

Joined by Representative Dan Goldman and other council members, Menin emphasized the need for accountability. “Despite every indication that he was doing everything the right way, he still became a victim of egregious government overreach,” she said.

• Speaker Julie Menin held a news conference to address the incident.
• New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani expressed outrage, calling the action an “assault on our democracy.”
• The detained staffer chose to contact the council’s HR department for assistance after being offered one phone call.

Concerns Over Federal Actions

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) confirmed the staffer’s detainment but did not provide specific reasons for it. Menin and other city leaders have expressed concerns that ICE is targeting public employees and local residents.

Goldman emphasized that ICE seems to be pursuing “the easiest prey they can find.” This incident not only raises questions about individual cases but also about the broader implications of federal immigration enforcement in urban areas.

As the city continues to navigate this situation, officials remain committed to advocating for the rights and protections of their workforce and all residents.