NYC Council employee detained by federal immigration officials in Nassau County, Long Island; Mayor Mamdani, Speaker Menin react
New York City lawmakers, including Mayor Zohran Mamdani, expressed their outrage after they say a City Council employee was detained by federal immigration officials on Long Island.
City Council Speaker Julie Menin hosted an emergency update on Monday evening, after she said the employee was detained in Nassau County during a routine immigration appointment.
The individual detained is a central staff member who has worked as a data analyst for about a year.
Menin says he had legal authorization to remain in the country until October of 2026. She says he's currently being held at Varick Street.
"We are doing everything we can to secure his immediate release, and we demand swift and transparent action by the federal government on this apparent overreach," Menin said in a statement. "Across the nation, we have seen aggressive escalations by ICE that raise serious concerns on the use of excessive force and a lack of accountability. As New Yorkers, we will stand up for the rights and dignity of every neighbor."
Mayor Mamdani said he's "outraged" by the employee's detainment, and called it "an assault on our democracy, on our city, and our values."
He said he's calling for his immediate release and will continue to monitor the situation.
This story will be updated as more information becomes available.
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