NYC Council Staffer from Venezuela Detained by ICE, Files Habeas Corpus

Hearing on Detainee's Release Scheduled for February 26

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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A Venezuelan man who works as a staffer for the New York City Council was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at an appointment with the Asylum Office in Bethpage, New York on January 12. The New York Legal Assistance Group filed a habeas corpus petition on his behalf, and a hearing is now scheduled for February 26 in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing tensions around immigration enforcement and the rights of immigrants, even those who are legally present and employed. The detention of a city government staffer raises questions about the treatment of immigrants and the potential impacts on local communities.

The details

According to the habeas corpus petition, the detainee, identified as R.A.R.B., was granted Temporary Protected Status and has no criminal record. He has worked for the NYC Council since 2025. The petition argues that he should not be detained, as he is engaged in supporting his community. The case was assigned to Judge John P. Cronan, who initially scheduled a hearing for January 16, but later adjourned it and set a new hearing date of February 26.

  • R.A.R.B. was detained by ICE on January 12, 2026.
  • The habeas corpus petition was filed on January 12, 2026.
  • The initial hearing was scheduled for January 16, 2026, but was later adjourned.
  • A new hearing is now scheduled for February 26, 2026.
  • R.A.R.B. was arrested in Queens on March 29, 2023, but the charges were later dropped and the arrest record sealed.

The players

R.A.R.B.

A Venezuelan man who was granted Temporary Protected Status and has worked as a staffer for the New York City Council since 2025.

New York Legal Assistance Group (NYLAG)

The organization that filed the habeas corpus petition on behalf of R.A.R.B.

Judge John P. Cronan

The U.S. District Court judge presiding over the habeas corpus case.

Immigration Judge Charles Conroy

The immigration judge who denied bond for R.A.R.B. on February 2, 2026.

Muriel Goode-Trufant

The New York City Corporation Counsel who filed a proposed amicus brief arguing on behalf of R.A.R.B.

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What they’re saying

“today Mr. Rubio is employed by the City Council, where he works as a Data Analyst and Compliance Associate in the Personnel Services Division.. he 'goes the extra mile.'”

— Muriel Goode-Trufant, New York City Corporation Counsel (Proposed Amicus Brief)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on February 26, 2026 whether or not to order R.A.R.B.'s release from detention.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges faced by immigrants, even those who are legally present and contributing to their local communities, as they navigate the complex and often unpredictable U.S. immigration system. The detention of a city government staffer raises concerns about the potential impacts on local communities and the need for more compassionate and fair immigration policies.